Charon

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkeəɹɒn/
• US IPA: /ˈkɛərÉ™n/ (in astronomy, also IPA: /ˈʃærÉ™n/)

Origin

From Ancient Greek Χάρων (Kharōn). The moon's name comes from a pseudoscientific pet name of Charlene, hence the alternative American pronunciation, which is standard at NASA.

Full definition of Charon

Proper noun

1. (Greek mythology) The ferryman of Hades.
2. (astronomy) The largest of three moons of Pluto.

Synonyms

• (astronomy) Pluto I, S/1978 P 1, S/1978 P 1 (Charon), (134340) Pluto I, (134340) Pluto I Charon, Pluto I (Charon)

Derived terms

• Charonian

Anagrams

• anchor, archon, noarch