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halcyon
[ hal-see-uhn ]
/ ˈhæl si ən /
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adjective Also hal·cy·o·ni·an [hal-see-oh-nee-uhn], /ˌhæl siˈoʊ ni ən/, hal·cy·on·ic [hal-see-on-ik]. /ˌhæl siˈɒn ɪk/.
noun
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Origin of halcyon
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin, from Greek halkyṓn, pseudo-etymological variant of alkyṓn “kingfisher”; replacing Middle English alceon, alicion, from Latin alcyōn, from Greek
Words nearby halcyon
halberd, halberdier, Halberstadt, Halberstam, Halcion, halcyon, Halcyone, Haldane, Haldimand, Haldol, hale
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use halcyon in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for halcyon
halcyon
/ (ˈhælsɪən) /
adjective also: halcyonian (ˌhælsɪˈəʊnɪən), halcyonic (ˌhælsɪˈɒnɪk)
peaceful, gentle, and calm
happy and carefree
noun
Greek myth a fabulous bird associated with the winter solstice
a poetic name for the kingfisher
halcyon days
- a fortnight of calm weather during the winter solstice
- a period of peace and happiness
Word Origin for halcyon
C14: from Latin alcyon, from Greek alkuōn kingfisher, of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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