Hyades

[ hahy-uh-deez ]

noun(used with a plural verb)
  1. Astronomy. a group of stars comprising a moving cluster in the constellation Taurus, supposed by the ancients to indicate the approach of rain when they rose with the sun.

  2. Classical Mythology. a group of nymphs and sisters of the Pleiades who nurtured the infant Dionysus and were placed among the stars as a reward.

Origin of Hyades

1
1350–1400; Middle English Hiades<Latin <Greek, equivalent to (ein) to rain + -ades, plural of -as-ad1
  • Also Hy·ads [hahy-adz]. /ˈhaɪ ædz/.

Words Nearby Hyades

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use Hyades in a sentence

  • The inexperienced observer is certain to be surprised by the display of stars which an opera-glass brings to view in the Hyades.

    Astronomy with an Opera-glass | Garrett Putman Serviss
  • And now let us look at the Hyades, an assemblage of stars not less beautiful than their more celebrated sisters the Pleiades.

    Astronomy with an Opera-glass | Garrett Putman Serviss
  • A good example is the cluster in the Hyades, where Boss has studied thirty-nine stars with special care.

    Climatic Changes | Ellsworth Huntington

British Dictionary definitions for Hyades (1 of 2)

Hyades1

Hyads (ˈhaɪædz)

/ (ˈhaɪəˌdiːz) /


pl n
  1. an open cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus: Compare Pleiades 1

Origin of Hyades

1
C16: via Latin from Greek huades, perhaps from huein to rain

British Dictionary definitions for Hyades (2 of 2)

Hyades2

/ (ˈhaɪəˌdiːz) /


pl n
  1. Greek myth seven nymphs, daughters of Atlas, whom Zeus placed among the stars after death

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