Charonian

• Charonean

Charon +‎ -ian, or from the alternative Latin oblique stem Charōnis.

• IPA^(key): /kəˈɹoʊnɪən/
• IPA^(key): /kəˈroʊnɪən, ʃə-/ (astronomy)

Charonian (not comparable)

1. Of or relating to Charon.

   Synonym: Charontian

   The Charonian journey will soon be taken.

   • 1773, Jacob Bryant, A New System, or, an Analysis of Ancient Mythology, volume I, pages 29–30:

     The Elysian plain, near the Catacombs in Egypt, stood upon the foul Charonian canal: which was so noisome, that every fetid ditch and cavern was from it called Charonian. [...] Pliny speaking of some Charonian hollows in Italy, says that the exhalations were insupportable.

   • 1940, Edmond Hamilton, Calling Captain Future, page 50:

     [It] possessed the six legs characteristic of Charonian life

   • 1992, Alan Stern, “The Pluto-Charon System”, in Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics, volume 30, page 225:

     Although this casts doubt on an intrinsic source for a present-day Charonian atmosphere, it is possible that Elliot & Young's result can be understood if Charon's gravity causes it to collect escaping gas from Pluto.

Charonian (plural Charonians)

1. (science fiction) An inhabitant of Charon (a moon of Pluto).

   Synonym: Charontian

   • 1990, Donald Moffitt, A Gathering of Stars:

     The Charonians were proud of their frozen hell. Styxville was like Plutopolis, only less so.

• (archeology, anthropology) Charonian obol, Charonian fee, Charonian coin (death/burial-coin)
• (architecture) Charonian steps, Charonian staircase (a flight of steps from under the stage in ancient Greek theatre; used by arrivals from Hades.)