Cytherean
This article possibly contains original research. (September 2021) |
Cytherean
When
Since Venus has a Greek name, as well as a Roman one, this could be used; however, the adjectival form of Aphrodite, "Aphrodisian" /æfroʊˈdɪziən/,[4] was felt to be unfortunately similar to "aphrodisiac", again evoking sex rather than astronomy.
A compromise was reached. In Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite was said to have been born from the sea, from which she emerged on a seashell at the island of Cythera; thus she was sometimes referred to as Cytherēa.[5] The adjective Cytherean was taken from this name and remained popular in scientific literature for some time. Its perhaps forgotten usage in 18th century erotica[6] did not interfere with this choice.
The term has since fallen out of common use. Venusian /vɪˈnjuːʒ(i)ən/ is the form most frequently used, with others, including "Venerean," appearing from time to time; the term "Cytherean" is now mostly found in older scientific papers, but some scientists still stick to the "tasteful" naming.[7] In addition, the word "Cytherean" as an adjective referring to Venus is often found in science fiction of the early and mid-20th century.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ "Cytherean". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ "Venerean, Venerian". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ Hanes, Dave. "The Appearance of Venus: Its Importance". Physics P15: The Course Notes, Fall 2012. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
- ^ "aphrodisian". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ M. Heydari-Malayeri, An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics English-French-Persian. Accessed Oct. 7, 2006
- S2CID 29449091
- ^ David W. Hughes. A comparison between terrestrial, Cytherean and lunar impact cratering records". Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Volume 334. August 2002. Page 713