Siren
Pronunciation
- RP IPA: /ˈsaɪərən/
- US IPA: /ˈsaɪrən/
- Rhymes: -aɪərən, -aɪrən
Alternative forms
- sirene dated or archaic
Origin
From Middle English, itself from Middle French sereine (itself from Late Latin sirena) and from Latin SÄ«rÄ“n, ultimately from Ancient Greek ΣειÏήν.
Full definition of siren
Noun
- (original sense) (Greek mythology) One of a group of nymphs who lured mariners to their death on the rocks.
- A device, either mechanical or electronic, that makes a piercingly loud sound as an alarm or signal, or the sound from such a device.
- A musical instrument, one of the few aerophones in the percussion section of the symphony orchestra.
- A dangerously seductive woman.
- A common name for salamanders of Siren and Sirenidae.
- A common name for mammals of Sirenia.
Derived terms
Verb
- To make a noise with, or as if with, a siren.
Adjective
siren
- Relating to or like a siren.