Chelidonian
/ˌkɛlɪˈdoʊniən/noun
Relating to swallows or to the genus Chelidonium, especially the greater celandine.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Ancient Greek χελιδών, “swallow,” a bird deeply associated in classical literature with seasonal change, return, and prophetic symbolism.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χελιδών (khelidṓn)
“Swallow”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χελιδόνιος (khelidónios)
“Of or relating to a swallow”
Late Latin
Latin
chelidonius
“Relating to a swallow; a classical botanical and medicinal term”
17th Century
New Latin
Chelidonium
“A plant genus name, literally associated with the swallow”
Modern English
English
chelidonian
“Relating to swallows or to Chelidonium”
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