[sat-ern] 
| 1. | an ancient Roman god of agriculture, the consort of Ops, believed to have ruled the earth during an age of happiness and virtue, identified with the Greek god Cronus. |
| 2. | Astronomy. the planet sixth in order from the sun, having an equatorial diameter of 74,600 mi. (120,000 km), a mean distance from the sun of 886.7 million mi. (1427 million km), a period of revolution of 29.46 years, and 21 known moons. It is the second largest planet in the solar system, encompassed by a series of thin, flat rings composed of small particles of ice. |
| 3. | Alchemy. the metal lead. |
| 4. | a U.S. space-vehicle booster developing from 2 million to 9 million lb. (900,000 to 4 million kg) of thrust for launching satellites, probes, and spaceships. |
| Sat·urn (sāt'ərn) n.
[Middle English Saturnus, from Old English, from Latin Sāturnus, of Etruscan origin.] |
The Roman name for one of the Titans, the father of Zeus. In Roman mythology, Saturn fled from Mount Olympus after Zeus defeated the Titans. He settled in Italy and established a golden age, in which all people were equal and harvests were plentiful.
Note: Saturday (“Saturn's day”) is named after Saturn.
Note: The sixth planet from the sun (the Earth is third) is named Saturn.
In astronomy, the second-largest major planet, sixth from the sun. Saturn was named for the Roman god of agriculture. Like Jupiter, Saturn is composed largely of gases and liquids. Saturn is the most distant planet plainly visible to the naked eye. (See solar system; see under “Mythology and Folklore.”)
Note: Saturn, often called the most beautiful planet, is known for the rings that encircle it.
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