Phaethon (Noun)
Meaning 1
(Greek mythology) son of Helios; killed when trying to drive his father's chariot and came too close to earth.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- In Greek mythology, Phaethon was often depicted as an arrogant young man who met his demise after attempting to drive the chariot of the sun.
- The story of Phaethon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overconfidence and the importance of respecting one's limits.
- Phaethon's tragic fate was said to have been a direct result of his failure to heed the warnings of his father, Helios.
- The fall of Phaethon was often associated with the origin of the Black Sea, which was said to have been formed from the ashes of his chariot.
- The myth of Phaethon has been retold and reinterpreted in various forms of art and literature throughout history, including in works by ancient Greek poets and modern novelists.
Meaning 2
Type genus of the Phaethontidae.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The Phaethon genus is comprised of three species of tropical seabirds, also known as tropicbirds.
- The tropicbird belongs to the genus Phaethon and can be identified by its bright plumage.
- In ornithology, the genus Phaethon serves as the type genus of the Phaethontidae family.
- Researchers studied the breeding habits of Phaethon aethereus, a member of the Phaethon genus.
- Birdwatchers are eager to catch a glimpse of the majestic Phaethon rubricauda, a species within the Phaethon genus.