Charon
[ kair-uh n, kar- ]
/ ˈkɛər ən, ˈkær- /
noun
Classical Mythology.
the ferryman who conveyed the souls of the dead across the Styx.
(usually used ironically) any ferryman.
Astronomy.
the natural satellite of Pluto, discovered in 1978.
OTHER WORDS FROM Charon
Cha·ro·ni·an [kuh-roh-nee-uh n] /kəˈroʊ ni ən/, Cha·ron·ic [kuh-ron-ik] /kəˈrɒn ɪk/, adjectiveExample sentences from the Web for charon
British Dictionary definitions for charon (1 of 2)
Charon
1
/ (ˈkɛərən) /
noun
Greek myth
the ferryman who brought the dead across the rivers Styx or Acheron to Hades
British Dictionary definitions for charon (2 of 2)
Charon
2
/ (ˈkɛərən) /
noun
the only known satellite of Pluto, discovered in 1978
Scientific definitions for charon
Charon
[ kâr′ən ]
The largest of Pluto's three moons. Charon is just over half Pluto's size and orbits it so closely that it was not discovered as a distinct body until 1978. Although Pluto is covered with methane ice, Charon appears to be covered with water ice.
Cultural definitions for charon
Charon
[ (kair-uhn) ]
In classical mythology, the boatman who carried the souls of the dead across the river Styx and into Hades, the underworld.