selene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Technical
Quick answer
What does “selene” mean?
The proper name for the Greek goddess of the moon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The proper name for the Greek goddess of the moon.
A literary or poetic term for the moon; used in scientific contexts as a taxonomic name, often in biology and astronomy to denote moon-like qualities or connections.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. Usage is consistent across both dialects due to its origin in classical mythology and technical nomenclature.
Connotations
Connotes classical education, literature, or specialised scientific knowledge.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech. Slightly more likely in literary or academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “selene” in a Sentence
the goddess SeleneSelene, goddess of the moonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “selene” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in Classics, Literature, History of Religion, and as a genus name in Biology (e.g., Selene vomer, a fish).
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in poetry, historical fiction, or by enthusiasts.
Technical
Used in taxonomy and astronomy (e.g., craters named Selene).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selene”
- Using it uncapitalised as a common noun for 'moon' in modern prose.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsɛliːn/ (SELL-een) instead of /sɪˈliːni/.
- Confusing it with the name 'Selena'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct. Artemis is a virgin huntress goddess associated with the moon. Selene is the personification of the moon itself.
No, in modern English it is not a standard common noun. Its use is strictly as a proper name (Selene) or in technical taxonomic names.
The Roman equivalent is Luna.
It is very rare as a given name. The variants 'Selena' or 'Celine' are more common.
The proper name for the Greek goddess of the moon.
Selene is usually formal, literary, technical in register.
Selene: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈliːni/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈliːni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a proper name.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SELENE' sounds like 'CLEAN'. Imagine the moon (Selene) shining a clean, white light.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MOON IS A GODDESS (e.g., 'Selene cast her silver light').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Selene' most appropriately used?