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Added 9 October 2026

halcyon

/ˈhælsi.ən/ noun

Latin root: halcyōn Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about halcyon at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

(Greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisher.
A large kingfisher widely distributed in warmer parts of the Old World.
A mythical bird said to breed at the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea and to have the power of calming the winds and waves.

adjective

Idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity.
a halcyon atmosphere
Marked by peace and prosperity.
a golden era

Origin

Inherited from Middle English Alceoun, from Latin halcyōn, alcyōn (“kingfisher”), from Ancient Greek ἀλκυών (alkuṓn).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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