terpsichorean

WOTD - 25 November 2008    

English

Alternative forms

• Terpsichorean

Etymology

From Terpsichore, the Muse of dance in Greek mythology.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˌtəːp.sɪ.kəɹˈiː.ən/, SAMPA: /%t@:p.sI.(%)k@r."i.@n/
• (US) IPA: /ˌtɝp.sɪ.kəˈɹiː.ən/, /ˌtɝp.sɪˈkɔɹ.iː.ən/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

  ,

  Audio (US)

  (file)

Adjective

terpsichorean (comparative more terpsichorean, superlative most terpsichorean)

1. (dance) Of or relating to dancing.
   • 1865, Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend

     This was such an entirely new view of the Terpsichorean art as socially practised, that Mrs Lammle looked at her young friend in some astonishment

   • 1970, Monty Python, The Cheese Shop

     Oh, heaven forbid: I am one who delights in all manifestations of the Terpsichorean muse!

Usage notes

This word is sometimes capitalized, because of its etymology from a proper noun.

Translations

relating to dancing

Finnish: tanssi- (fi)

Noun

terpsichorean (plural terpsichoreans)

1. A person who dances, especially professionally.

Translations

person who dances

Finnish: tanssija (fi), tanssijatar (fi)