Jovian
/ˈdʒoʊ.vi.ən/noun
Relating to Jupiter or resembling the planet Jupiter; also used to describe a large gas giant.
Did you know?In Roman religion, Jupiter was called Iovis, so “Jovian” is literally a word built from the name of the sky god who ruled oaths, storms, and state power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dyeu-
“to shine; sky, daylight, the bright sky god”
Latin
Latin
Iuppiter / Iovis
“Jupiter, the Roman sky and thunder god”
Late Latin
Latin
Iovianus
“pertaining to Jupiter; belonging to Jupiter”
16th Century
English
Jovian
“relating to Jupiter or the planet Jupiter”
Modern English
English
Jovian
“of or relating to Jupiter, especially the planet, or to Jupiter-like gas giants”