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Phlegethon

American  
[fleg-uh-thon, flej-] / ˈflɛg əˌθɒn, ˈflɛdʒ- /

noun

  1. Also called PyriphlegethonClassical Mythology. a river of fire, one of five rivers surrounding Hades.

  2. (often lowercase) a stream of fire or fiery light.


Phlegethon British  
/ ˈflɛɡɪˌθɒn /

noun

  1. Greek myth a river of fire in Hades

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of Phlegethon

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English, from Latin, from Greek phlegéthōn “blazing, flaming,” noun use of present participle of phlegéthein “to blaze”; see origin at phlegm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The River Phlegethon spilled over the side in jagged tiers of fiery waterfalls.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

He’d rather stand in the River Phlegethon, or get attacked by arai, or be trampled by giants.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Drinking from the Phlegethon was like gulping down a ghost chili smoothie.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

They followed the River Phlegethon, stumbling over the glassy black terrain, jumping crevices, and hiding behind rocks whenever the vampire girls slowed in front of them.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Even in the red light of the Phlegethon, his face seemed waxy.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

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