EMPYREAN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does empyrean mean? 

• EMPYREAN (noun)
  The noun EMPYREAN has 1 sense:

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

  Familiarity information: EMPYREAN used as a noun is very rare.

• EMPYREAN (adjective)
  The adjective EMPYREAN has 2 senses:

1. of or relating to the sky or heavens

2. inspiring awe

  Familiarity information: EMPYREAN used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EMPYREAN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting spatial position

Synonyms:

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

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)

• EMPYREAN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to the sky or heavens

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

empyreal; empyrean

Context example:

the empyrean sphere

Pertainym:

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

Sense 2

Meaning:

Inspiring awe

Synonyms:

empyreal; empyrean; sublime

Context example:

the sublime beauty of the night

Similar:

glorious (having or deserving or conferring glory)