Pallas

[ pal-uhs ]

noun

1. Also called Pal·las A·the·na. Classical Mythology. Athena ( def 1 ).
2. Astronomy. the third largest asteroid in our solar system, discovered in 1802 and located in the asteroid belt. Ceres ( def 2 ), Hygieia ( def 2 ), Vesta ( def 2 ).

Pallas

/ ˈpæləs /

noun

1. astronomy the second largest asteroid (diameter 520 km), revolving around the sun in a period of 4.62 years

Pallas

/ păl′əs /

1. The second largest asteroid, measuring about 570 km (353 mi) at its greatest diameter, and the second to be discovered, in 1802.
2. See more at asteroid

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pallas¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Greek Pallás, epithet of the goddess Athena, possibly derived from pállein “to balance (a spear before throwing)” or akin to pallakís “concubine”

Example Sentences

Assistant Attorney General John Pallas said he didn’t know specifically why the three men were transferred out of Michigan, other “than general safety concerns.”

From Seattle Times

Indeed, our own solar system's asteroid belt is considered to be a "failed planet" of sorts; there are multiple small spherical bodies that make up the asteroid belt, including Ceres, Vesta, and Pallas.

From Salon

London-based Pallas Partners said it was working on possible legal action with Swiss peers.

From Reuters

“Dillon was a serial killer who was convicted of killing multiple hunters and outdoorsmen,” Assistant Attorney General John Pallas and Moran said in a joint filing.

From Seattle Times

Indeed, there are multiple other relatively massive bodies — Vesta, Pallas, and Hygiea — also in Ceres' vicinity.

From Salon