Charonian

English

Etymology

From Charon +‎ -ian, or from the alternative Latin oblique stem Charōnis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /kəˈɹoʊnɪən/ (mythology)
• IPA^(key): /kəˈɹoʊnɪən/, /ʃəˈɹoʊnɪən/ (astronomy)

Adjective

Charonian (not comparable)

1. Of or relating to Charon.

   The Charonian journey will soon be taken.

   • 1773, Jacob Bryant, A New System, or, an Analysis of Ancient Mythology, volume I, pages 29–30:

     The Elysian plain, near the Catacombs in Egypt, stood upon the foul Charonian canal: which was so noisome, that every fetid ditch and cavern was from it called Charonian. [...] Pliny speaking of some Charonian hollows in Italy, says that the exhalations were insupportable.

   • 1940, Edmond Hamilton, Calling Captain Future, page 50:

     [It] possessed the six legs characteristic of Charonian life

   • 1992, Alan Stern, “The Pluto-Charon System”, in Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 30, page 225:

     Although this casts doubt on an intrinsic source for a present-day Charonian atmosphere, it is possible that Elliot & Young's result can be understood if Charon's gravity causes it to collect escaping gas from Pluto.

Noun

Charonian (plural Charonians)

1. (science fiction) An inhabitant of Charon (a moon of Pluto).

   Synonym: Charontian

   • 1990, Donald Moffitt, A Gathering of Stars:

     The Charonians were proud of their frozen hell. Styxville was like Plutopolis, only less so.

Synonyms

• Charontian
• Charonean

Derived terms

• (archeology, anthropology) Charonian obol, Charonian fee, Charonian coin (death/burial-coin)
• (architecture) Charonian steps, Charonian staircase (a flight of steps from under the stage in ancient Greek theatre; used by arrivals from Hades.)