Phlegethon

American  

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

noun

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

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

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Phlegethon British  

/ ˈflɛɡɪˌθɒn /

noun

1. Greek myth a river of fire in Hades

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Other Word Forms

• Phlegethontal
  adjective
• Phlegethontic
  adjective

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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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Phlegethon

Her fiery hair burned across her shoulders like a miniature Phlegethon waterfall.

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

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

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

To their right, the Phlegethon split into branches that etched the plain, widening into a delta of smoke and fire.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

“The Phlegethon keeps the wicked in one piece so that they can endure the torments of the Fields of Punishment. I think...it might be the Underworld equivalent of ambrosia and nectar.”

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

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