Paion
/ˈpaɪ.ɒn/noun
An ancient Greek name or epithet associated with a healer deity, especially Apollo, and with hymns addressed to him.
Did you know?The Greek form Paíōn was linked to Apollo as a divine physician, while the related paean became a ceremonial hymn of praise and thanksgiving.
Etymological Timeline
Mycenaean or Archaic Greek
Greek
Pa-jā-wōn / Paíōn
“An early Greek divine name or title, probably connected with healing; its ultimate origin is uncertain.”
8th–5th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
Παιήων (Paiḗōn)
“A healer deity or epithet of Apollo, described in Greek tradition as the physician of the gods.”
Classical Greek
Greek
παιάν (paián)
“A hymn or ritual song invoking Apollo, especially for healing, deliverance, or victory.”
Latin Antiquity
Latin
Paian / Paean
“A hymn of praise or invocation, borrowed from Greek religious terminology.”
Renaissance English
English
paean / paion
“A learned borrowing referring to a hymn of praise, with Paion preserved mainly in classical and mythological contexts.”
Modern English
English
Paion
“A transliterated Greek proper name or epithet associated with Apollo, divine healing, and the paean hymn.”