Ortygian

adjective

Or·​ty·​gian

(ˈ)ȯ(r)¦tij(ē)ən

1

: of or relating to the Greek island of Delos held in antiquity to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis

Ortygian Artemis

2

: of or relating to the Sicilian island of Ortygia on which modern Syracuse is built

beneath the Ortygian shore

—P. B. Shelley

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from Ortygia Delos, smallest island of the Cyclades, south Aegean Sea + English -an; in sense 2, from Ortygia, island near the southeastern coast of Sicily + English -an

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now