hal·cy·on
(h
l
s
-
n)
KEY
NOUN:
- A kingfisher, especially one of the genus Halcyon.
- A fabled bird, identified with the kingfisher, that was supposed to have had the power to calm the wind and the waves while it nested on the sea during the winter solstice.
ADJECTIVE:
- Calm and peaceful; tranquil.
- Prosperous; golden:
halcyon years.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
alcioun, from Latin
alcy
n, halcyn, from Greek
halkun,
a mythical bird, kingfisher, alteration (influenced by
hals,
salt, sea, and
kun,
conceiving), of
alkun
