silenus

noun

si·​le·​nus sī-ˈlē-nəs How to pronounce silenus (audio)
plural sileni sī-ˈlē-ˌnī How to pronounce silenus (audio)
often capitalized
: a minor woodland deity and companion of Dionysus in Greek mythology with a horse's ears and tail

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek silēnos, from Silēnos foster father of Dionysus

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silenus was in 1572

Dictionary Entries Near silenus

silent vote

silenus

siles

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Silenus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silenus. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about silenus

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