Cytherean

Cytherean is an adjective meaning pertaining to Cythera, a small island now part of Greece. It is one of the Ionian islands, and is formally known as Kythira or Κύθηρα.

Related Topics:
Adjective - Cythera - Ionian islands

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Due to a quirk of the English language, it is also an adjective meaning pertaining to the planet Venus.

Related Topics:
English language - The planet Venus

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When planetary science began to have a need to discuss Venus in detail, an adjective was needed. The common venusian is etymologically messy (similar to saying "Earthian" or "Jupiterian"), and a "cleaner" version was desired. However, the correct adjectival form of the name would be venereal, which had unfortunate connotations (see venereal diseases) and presented the potential for great confusion.

Related Topics:
Planetary science - Venereal diseases

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It was suggested that since Venus had a Greek name, as well as a Roman one, this should be used; however, the adjectival form of Aphrodite was "aphrodisial", which again was felt to be unforunately close to "aphrodisiac", evoking matters not directly pertaining to astronomy.

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A compromise was reached; in Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite was said to have emerged from the Mediterranean Sea onto the island of Cythera, and as such was sometimes known as Cytherea. The adjective cytherean was decided on; this remained popular for some time, but has now fallen out of common use. However, it is still often found in older scientific papers, and some scientists stick to the "tasteful" naming.

Related Topics:
Greek mythology - Aphrodite - Mediterranean Sea

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