Definition

Proper noun * (Greek mythology) A collective name for the nymphs, specifically the Hesperides, who were tasked with guarding the golden apples in the Garden of the Hera. These apples were a wedding gift from Gaea (Earth) to Hera.

Usage Notes

• "Atlantides" is a proper noun used almost exclusively in the context of classical Greek mythology. It is not used in everyday modern English.
• It functions as a collective name for a specific group of nymphs. The term is often used interchangeably with or as another name for the Hesperides.
• The number of nymphs varies in different myths, which is reflected in the definition stating a "group of 3 to 7."

Examples

• In the myth of Heracles, one of his labors was to retrieve the golden apples guarded by the Atlantides.
• The Atlantides were the daughters of Atlas, hence their name, which means "daughters of Atlas."

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used poetically or allusively in literature to refer to beautiful guardians of a precious or hidden treasure.
  • The rare manuscripts were protected by librarians who were like the Atlantides of the university's collection.

Variants and Related Words

• Hesperides (n.): The more common name for the same group of nymphs.
• Nymph (n.): A minor nature goddess typically depicted as a beautiful maiden.
• Gaea (n.): The primordial Greek goddess personifying the Earth.
• Hera (n.): The queen of the Greek gods, goddess of marriage and family.

Synonyms

• Hesperides
• Nymphs (context-specific)

Notes on Different Meanings

• There is no common, non-mythological meaning for "Atlantides" in modern English. It is a specialized term from mythology.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) group of 3 to 7 nymphs who guarded the golden apples that Gaea gave as a wedding gift to Hera