Chiron
/ˈkaɪrɒn/noun
In Greek mythology, Chiron was a wise centaur famed as a healer, teacher, and mentor of heroes; Chiron is also the name of a minor planet.
Did you know?In modern astrology, Chiron—discovered in 1977—is called the “wounded healer,” inspired by the mythic figure’s incurable injury and association with healing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰesr-
“Hand; the reconstructed root traditionally connected with Greek kheír”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χείρ (kheír)
“Hand; the body part associated with skill, craft, and practical ability”
Classical Greek
Greek
Χείρων (Kheírōn)
“Chiron, the centaur’s name, probably associated with kheír and the sense of being skilled or handy”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Chiron
“The mythological centaur’s name, preserved in Latin retellings of Greek mythology”
17th–18th Century
English
Chiron
“The Greek mythological centaur appearing in English translations and classical writing”
Modern English
English
Chiron
“A mythological healer and teacher; also an astronomical body and an astrological symbol of the wounded healer”
Explore more surprising origins