Phaëthon

American  

[fey-uh-thuhn, -thon] / ˈfeɪ ə θən, -ˌθɒn /

noun

Classical Mythology.

1. a son of Helios who borrowed the chariot of the sun and drove it so close to earth that Zeus struck him down to save the world.

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Phaethon ¹ British  

/ ˈfeɪəθən /

noun

1. an asteroid (6.9 km in diameter) that has an orbit approaching close to the sun and releases fragments of dust that enter the earth's atmosphere as meteors

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Phaëthon ² British  

/ ˈfeɪəθən /

noun

1. Greek myth the son of Helios (the sun god) who borrowed his father's chariot and nearly set the earth on fire by approaching too close to it. Zeus averted the catastrophe by striking him down with a thunderbolt

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Etymology

Origin of Phaëthon

< Greek Phaéthōn, special use of present participle of phaéthein to shine

Example Sentences

For a few ecstatic moments Phaëthon felt himself the Lord of the Sky.

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

Phaëthon all on fire fell from the car through the air to the earth.

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

Proudly and joyously Phaëthon mounted it and they were off.

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

No doubt Phaëthon had often watched the Sun riding through the heavens and had told himself with a feeling, half awe, half excitement, “It is my father up there.”

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

In the car Phaëthon, hardly keeping his place there, was wrapped in thick smoke and heat as if from a fiery furnace.

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