Cyrene

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. A Thessalian princess and huntress demigod, companion of Artemis and lover of Apollo.
  2. A former city near Shahhat, Libya.

Pronunciation

/saɪˈɹiːni/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Cyrene.wav

Word forms

Cyrene Kyrene

Etymology

From Latin Cȳrēnē, from Ancient Greek Κυρήνη (Kurḗnē), of uncertain origin. Classical sources considered the Thessalian demigod the etymon for the Libyan city. Modern scholars variously derive the name from the Libyan spring Κύρα (Kúra) or, noting the myth attested before the spring or city, consider an existing Proto-Berber name to have been conflated with the Thessalian myths by early Greek colonists.

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