vesta

/'vestə/

Thân thiện

A small telescope reveals the asteroid Vesta as a bright point of light.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The brightest asteroid but the fourth to be discovered: In astronomy, "Vesta" is the name of a large and luminous asteroid in the asteroid belt.
   • (Roman mythology) Goddess of the hearth and its fire: In Roman religion, "Vesta" is the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family. Her sacred flame was maintained by the Vestal Virgins. She is the Roman counterpart of the Greek goddess Hestia.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Astronomy):
  • The Dawn spacecraft orbited the asteroid Vesta.
  • Vesta is one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt.
• Noun (Mythology):
  • The temple of Vesta housed the eternal flame of Rome.
  • Vesta was worshipped as the protector of the domestic hearth.

Advanced Usage

• "Vestal" (adj): Pertaining to the goddess Vesta; often used to describe purity, chastity, or something related to the sacred fire.
  • She took a vestal vow of chastity.
  • The vestal flame was a symbol of the state's continuity.

Variants and Related Words

• Vestal (adj/noun): (Adjective) Relating to the goddess Vesta or characterized by purity. (Noun) A priestess of Vesta; a chaste woman.
  • The vestal virgins were priestesses of Vesta.
• Vestalia (noun): The festival of Vesta in ancient Rome.

Synonyms

• Hestia: The Greek goddess equivalent to Vesta.
• Asteroid 4 Vesta: The formal astronomical designation.

Related Phrases

• "Vestal Virgin": A priestess of the goddess Vesta, charged with maintaining the sacred fire.
  • A Vestal Virgin who let the fire go out could be severely punished.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the brightest asteroid but the fourth to be discovered
2. (Roman mythology) goddess of the hearth and its fire whose flame was tended by vestal virgins; counterpart of Greek Hestia

Từ đồng nghĩa

• vesta