halcyon
adjective
Denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful. Can also refer to calm, tranquil conditions, especially of the sea.
Etymology
From Greek "alkyon" (kingfisher), from the myth of Alcyone who was transformed into a kingfisher. The gods calmed the seas for 14 days each winter so she could nest on the waves.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"She often reminisced about the halcyon days of her childhood summers by the lake."
- 2.
"The halcyon weather made it perfect for sailing across the Mediterranean."
- 3.
"Those halcyon years before the war seemed like a distant dream now."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Ancient Greeks believed the kingfisher (halcyon bird) nested on the sea during the winter solstice, and that the gods calmed the waters for this purpose. These calm days were called "halcyon days."
Word Game Tips
Letters: 7 letters (H, A, L, C, Y, O, N)
Scrabble Value: 15 points
Tip: Try building from common prefixes or suffixes when you spot these letters.
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