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/, adjective

Example 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.