empyrean

[ em-puh-ree-uhn, -pahy-, em-pir-ee-uhn, -pahy-ree- ]

noun

1. the highest heaven, supposed by the ancients to contain the pure element of fire.
2. the visible heavens; the firmament.

adjective

1. empyreal.

empyrean

/ ˌɛmpaɪˈriːən /

noun

1. archaic.
   the highest part of the (supposedly spherical) heavens, thought in ancient times to contain the pure element of fire and by early Christians to be the abode of God and the angels
2. poetic.
   the heavens or sky

adjective

1. of or relating to the sky, the heavens, or the empyrean
2. heavenly or sublime
3. archaic.
   composed of fire

Word History and Origins

Origin of empyrean¹

1605–15; < Late Latin empyre ( us ) empyreal + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of empyrean¹

C17: from Medieval Latin empyreus, from Greek empuros fiery, from pur fire

Example Sentences

Thy saddle shall be broidered with the stars of the empyrean,—and then thou wilt destroy it!

From Project Gutenberg

It rained only at night; and all that crystal clear mid-summer scarcely a shred of fleece dappled the empyrean.

From Project Gutenberg

And they became what may be called an Evanescent Vapor, until all was lost in the Empyrean.

From Project Gutenberg

The star-fire of the Empyrean shall eclipse itself, and illuminate magic-lanterns to amuse grown children?

From Project Gutenberg

It has become a giant, terrible bird, the great auk of music, that seizes you in its talons and spirals into the empyrean.

From Project Gutenberg