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Charon

The origin and history of Charon.

Etymology

From Latin Charon, from Ancient Greek Kharon. The moon was named in 1978 by astronomer James Christy, partly after the mythological ferryman and partly after his wife Charlene, nicknamed "Char."

Origin: Ancient Greek · First attested 1978

Class of 1978

Charon first entered the language around 1978.

See the full Class of 1978 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.