[uh-thee-nuh] 
| 1. | Also, A⋅the⋅ne [uh-thee-nee] . Also called Pallas, Pallas Athena. the virgin deity of the ancient Greeks worshiped as the goddess of wisdom, fertility, the useful arts, and prudent warfare. At her birth she sprang forth fully armed from the head of her father, Zeus. Compare Minerva. |
| 2. | a female given name. |
[pal-uh
s] | 1. | Also called Pallas Athena. Classical Mythology. Athena (def. 1). |
| 2. | Astronomy. the second largest and one of the four brightest asteroids. |
| Pallas Athena also Pallas Athene n. Greek Mythology Athena. [Greek Pallas Athēnē : Pallas, epithet of Athena + Athēnē, Athena.] |
The Greek and Roman goddess of wisdom. She had an unusual birth, springing fully grown out of the forehead of her father, Zeus. Athena was one of the goddesses angered by the Judgment of Paris, a Trojan, and she therefore helped the Greeks in the ensuing Trojan War. Eventually, she became the protector of Odysseus on his journey home.
Note: Athena was the guardian of the city of Athens, which was named in her honor.
| Pallas (pāl'əs) Pronunciation Key
The second largest asteroid, measuring about 570 km (353 mi) at its greatest diameter, and the second to be discovered, in 1802. See more at asteroid. |