Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A constellation in the northern hemisphere: A prominent constellation located near the constellations Andromeda and Pisces, often depicted as the shape of a winged horse.
   • A creature from Greek mythology: The immortal winged horse that sprang from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was slain by Perseus. It was later tamed by the hero Bellerophon and is often associated with poetic inspiration.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Astronomy):
  • Pegasus is easily visible in the autumn sky.
  • The Great Square of Pegasus is a well-known asterism within the constellation.
• Proper noun (Mythology):
  • Bellerophon rode Pegasus to defeat the Chimera.
  • The poet felt a surge of creativity, as if touched by the spirit of Pegasus.

Advanced Usage

• As a symbol: "Pegasus" is frequently used as a symbol of high-flying imagination, poetic inspiration, or lofty ideals.
  • The small publishing house adopted the name Pegasus Press, hoping to capture the spirit of creative flight.
  • Her ideas were pure Pegasus, soaring far beyond conventional thinking.

Variants and Related Words

• Pegasean (adj): Pertaining to or resembling Pegasus.
  • The sculpture had a Pegasean grace.
• Pegasid (adj/n): An alternative adjective form or a term for a hypothetical satellite of the planet Jupiter, named after the mythological figure.

Synonyms

• Winged horse: A direct descriptive synonym for the mythological creature.
• Inspiration: When used metaphorically for the source of creative ideas.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To saddle Pegasus: A literary phrase meaning to embark on a poetic or creative endeavor.
  • The young writer finally felt ready to saddle Pegasus and begin her novel.
• Pegasus has bolted: An idiom suggesting that a moment of inspiration has been lost or that an opportunity has passed.
  • He waited too long to write down the idea, and by morning, Pegasus had bolted.

Noun

1. a constellation in the northern hemisphere near Andromeda and Pisces
2. (Greek mythology) the immortal winged horse that sprang from the blood of the slain Medusa; was tamed by Bellerophon with the help of a bridle given him by Athena; as the flying horse of the Muses it is a symbol of highflying imagination