Library / English Dictionary

EMPYREAN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

The apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected

Synonyms:

celestial sphere; empyrean; firmament; heavens; sphere; vault of heaven; welkin

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Hypernyms ("empyrean" is a kind of...):

surface (the extended two-dimensional outer boundary of a three-dimensional object)

Meronyms (parts of "empyrean"):

apex; apex of the sun's way; solar apex (the point on the celestial sphere toward which the sun and solar system appear to be moving relative to the fixed stars)

celestial point (a point in the heavens (on the celestial sphere))

nadir (the point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected)

zenith (the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected)

zodiac (a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes)

Derivation:

empyreal (of or relating to the sky or heavens)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Inspiring awe

Example:

the sublime beauty of the night

Synonyms:

empyreal; empyrean; sublime

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

glorious (having or deserving or conferring glory)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Of or relating to the sky or heavens

Example:

the empyrean sphere

Synonyms:

empyreal; empyrean

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Pertainym:

empyrean (the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected)

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