Definition

Noun 1. (Greek Mythology) A sea nymph: In Homer's Odyssey, Calypso is the nymph who detains the hero Odysseus on her island, Ogygia, for seven years. 2. (Botany) A type of orchid: A rare, small orchid (Calypso bulbosa) found in northern temperate bogs and woodlands, bearing a single, distinctive flower.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mythology):
  • Odysseus longed to return home despite Calypso's offer of immortality.
  • The story of Calypso illustrates the theme of temptation in the epic.
• Noun (Botany):
  • We were lucky to spot a rare calypso orchid during our hike.
  • The calypso is also known as the fairy slipper orchid due to the shape of its flower.

Advanced Usage

• As a cultural reference: The name "Calypso" is often used metaphorically to represent a captivating force or person that causes a pleasurable delay or detention.
  • The tropical island was his Calypso, enchanting him and postponing his return to city life.

Variants and Related Words

• Calypsos (n.): The standard plural form for both the mythological figure and the orchid.
• Calypso bulbosa (n.): The full botanical name for the orchid.

Synonyms

• (For the mythological figure): Nymph, enchantress, siren (though technically a different creature in myth).
• (For the orchid): Fairy slipper (common name).

Related Terms and Context

• Odyssey, Odysseus, Ogygia: Key terms directly associated with the mythological Calypso.
• Orchidaceae, perennial, bog: Terms related to the botanical Calypso.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) the sea nymph who detained Odysseus for seven years
2. rare north temperate bog orchid bearing a solitary white to pink flower marked with purple at the tip of an erect reddish stalk above 1 basal leaf