Pallas

American  

[pal-uhs] / ˈpæl əs /

noun

1. Also called Pallas Athena.  Classical Mythology. Athena.

2. Astronomy. the third largest asteroid in our solar system, discovered in 1802 and located in the asteroid belt.

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Pallas British  

/ ˈpæləs /

noun

1. astronomy the second largest asteroid (diameter 520 km), revolving around the sun in a period of 4.62 years

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Pallas Scientific  

/ păl′əs /

1. The second largest asteroid, measuring about 570 km (353 mi) at its greatest diameter, and the second to be discovered, in 1802.

2. See more at asteroid

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Etymology

Origin of Pallas

First recorded in 1570–80; from Greek Pallás, epithet of the goddess Athena, possibly derived from pállein “to balance (a spear before throwing)” or akin to pallakís “concubine”

Example Sentences

Pallas Citroen, managing direction of The Bomb Factory, said Rush's exhibition, which will run from March 13-29, is part of the charity's programme focusing on collective production and material reuse this year.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Once inside, the bird perches on a carved head of Pallas before engaging the man in a strange conversation in which it repeats a single dread word.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

Then Pallas cried and the outing spiraled into a mess.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2025

Assistant Attorney General John Pallas said he didn’t know specifically why the three men were transferred out of Michigan, other “than general safety concerns.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 30, 2023

Meanwhile, at Pallas Athena’s prompting, Telemachus took leave of Helen and Menelaus, and as soon as he reached his ship embarked, eager to get home with all speed.

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