Definition

Noun 1. A genus of Carangidae: In biology, Selene is a genus of marine fish within the family Carangidae, commonly known as lookdowns or moonfish. 2. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the Moon: In ancient Greek mythology, Selene is the divine personification of the Moon. She is often depicted driving a chariot across the night sky. She is identified with the Roman goddess Luna.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mythology):
  • The ancient Greeks prayed to Selene for safe passage during night travels.
  • In the myth, Selene fell in love with the mortal Endymion.
• Noun (Biology):
  • The Atlantic moonfish, Selene setapinnis, is a member of the genus Selene.
  • Scientists are studying species within the Selene genus.

Advanced Usage

• Literary/poetic reference: "Selene" is sometimes used poetically or in literature to refer to the moon itself, evoking its mythological and romantic qualities.
  • The poet gazed at Selene, her silver light bathing the silent world.

Variants and Related Words

• Selenian (adj): Pertaining to the moon (from the Greek root ).
• Selenium (n): A chemical element (Se), named after the moon (Selene) due to its similarity to the element tellurium, which was named for Earth ().
• Selenography (n): The study of the surface and physical features of the moon.
• Luna (n): The Roman goddess equivalent to Selene.

Synonyms

• (For the goddess): Luna (Roman equivalent), moon goddess.
• (For the genus): Lookdown, moonfish (common names for species within the genus).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Under the eye of Selene: A poetic phrase meaning "by moonlight" or "during the night."
  • The lovers met under the eye of Selene.

Noun

1. a genus of Carangidae
2. (Greek mythology) goddess of the Moon in ancient mythology; identified with Roman Luna