alcyon Definition
- 1a mythical bird, usually identified with the kingfisher, said to breed about the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea, and to have the power of calming the winds and waves.
- 2a calm period during the winter solstice, when storms are not expected
Using alcyon: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alcyon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The alcyon is a legendary bird that calms the seas during the winter solstice.
Example
The sailors were relieved to find themselves in an alcyon after days of stormy weather.
Phrases with alcyon
Example
She often reminisces about the halcyon days of her childhood.
Origins of alcyon
from Latin 'alcyon', from Greek 'halkyon'
Summary: alcyon in Brief
'Alcyon' [al-see-uhn] refers to a mythical bird, often identified with the kingfisher, that has the power to calm the winds and waves. It is said to breed during the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea. 'Alcyon' also denotes a calm period during the winter solstice when storms are not expected. The phrase 'halcyon days' refers to a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful.
