arethusa

[ ar-uh-thoo-zuh ]

noun

1. Also called dragon's mouth, swamp pink. an orchid, Arethusa bulbosa, of eastern North America, having a solitary pink flower with a blotched, fringed lip: now rare.
2. (initial capital letter) Classical Mythology. a nymph who was changed into a spring to save her when she was being pursued by the river god Alpheus.

arethusa

¹

/ ˌærɪˈθjuːzə /

noun

1. a North American orchid, Arethusa bulbosa, having one long narrow leaf and one rose-purple flower fringed with yellow

Arethusa

²

/ ˌærɪˈθjuːzə /

noun

1. Greek myth a nymph who was changed into a spring on the island of Ortygia to escape the amorous advances of the river god Alpheus

Word History and Origins

Origin of arethusa¹

1810–20; (< New Latin ) < Greek Aréthousa

Example Sentences

Hence the story arose that a cup thrown into the Alpheus appeared again in Arethusa.

From Project Gutenberg

A ride to the Fountain of Arethusa had been planned for the next day, and I had the happiness of being invited to join it.

From Project Gutenberg

Not long after this the “gallant Arethusa” was wrecked upon the rocks near Ushant, in pursuit of an enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

Arethusa always receives her with the respect and honour due to her Queen and Huntress, chaste and fair.

From Project Gutenberg

And after all, once started again upon their inland journey, both Philip and his wife regretted not the absence of Arethusa.

From Project Gutenberg