helicon

[ hel-i-kon, -kuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Helicon

[ hel-i-kon, -kuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

a mountain in S central Greece. 5,738 feet (1,749 meters): regarded by ancient Greeks as the abode of Apollo and the Muses.

Helicon

/ ˈhɛlɪkən /

a mountain in Greece, in Boeotia: location of the springs of Hippocrene and Aganippe, believed by the Ancient Greeks to be the source of poetic inspiration and the home of the Muses. Height: 1749 m (5738 ft) Modern Greek nameElikón

helicon

/ ˈhɛlɪkən /

Origin of helicon¹

1520–30; probably special use of Helicon, by association with helico-

Origin of helicon¹

C19: probably from Helicon , associated with Greek helix spiral

The poet "as those wreathes up go" sees Helicon's fresh founts flowing clearer and purer.

Then, cleansing the fountain of Helicon from slime and rushes, he restored to the waters their first chastity and sweetness.

Parnassus and Helicon were hills consecrated to the Muses, and the supposed place of their abode.

Parnassus was forked on the top; and from Helicon ran a stream, the spring of which was called the Muses' well.

The present Edition is improved by a copy in England's Helicon, edit.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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