Hyades

American  

[hahy-uh-deez] / ˈhaɪ əˌdiz /

Also Hyads

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Astronomy. a group of stars comprising a moving cluster in the constellation Taurus, supposed by the ancients to indicate the approach of rain when they rose with the sun.

2. Classical Mythology. a group of nymphs and sisters of the Pleiades who nurtured the infant Dionysus and were placed among the stars as a reward.

---

Hyades ¹ British  

/ ˈhaɪəˌdiːz, ˈhaɪædz /

plural noun

1. an open cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus Compare Pleiades 1

---

Hyades ² British  

/ ˈhaɪəˌdiːz /

plural noun

1. Greek myth seven nymphs, daughters of Atlas, whom Zeus placed among the stars after death

---

Etymology

Origin of Hyades

1350–1400; Middle English Hiades < Latin < Greek, equivalent to hý ( ein ) to rain + -ades, plural of -as -ad ¹

Example Sentences

Then, look for Taurus’ V-shaped cluster of stars, which are called the Hyades, and from there you should have a focus for the center of the constellation.

From Slate • Nov. 10, 2017

Telescopes show that Hyades actually contains more than 200 stars.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

The Hyades is another famous open cluster in Taurus.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

In February, Kepler will turn its gaze to the well-known clusters Pleiades and Hyades, followed in April by the Beehive and M67 clusters.

From Nature • Oct. 20, 2014

Some say the nymphs were the Hyades, whom Zeus afterwards placed in the sky as stars, the stars which bring rain when they near the horizon.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton