noun
Uncommon
Europa
yuu-ROH-puh
Europa (noun) means one of Jupiter's largest moons, known for its icy surface and the possibility of a subsurface ocean. Example: “Scientists believe Europa's hidden ocean could potentially support life.”
noun
1
One of Jupiter's largest moons, known for its icy surface and the possibility of a subsurface ocean.
"Scientists believe Europa's hidden ocean could potentially support life."
2
In Greek mythology, a princess carried off by Zeus, who had disguised himself as a bull.
"The myth of Europa gave the continent of Europe its name."
How to use Europa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the moon of Jupiter or the mythological princess the continent Europe is named after.
Easily confused with
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Scientists believe _____'s hidden ocean could potentially support life.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Eurṓpē, the mythological princess's name — a doublet of "Europe."
Rhymes for Europa
See all rhymes for Europa →Frequently asked questions
What does “Europa” mean?
The word “Europa” means one of Jupiter's largest moons, known for its icy surface and the possibility of a subsurface ocean. In plain terms, either the moon of Jupiter or the mythological princess the continent Europe is named after.
How do you pronounce “Europa”?
“Europa” is pronounced yuu-ROH-puh (/jʊˈɹoʊpə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Europa” in a sentence?
Here is “Europa” used in a sentence: “Scientists believe Europa's hidden ocean could potentially support life.”
What part of speech is “Europa”?
“Europa” is a noun.
Where does the word “Europa” come from?
The word “Europa” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek Eurṓpē, the mythological princess's name — a doublet of "Europe.".
Is “Europa” a common word?
“Europa” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Europa” have?
“Europa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of Jupiter's largest moons, known for its icy surface and the possibility of a subsurface ocean.
What is the difference between Europa the moon and Europa in mythology?
Europa is both one of Jupiter's largest moons, known for its icy surface and possible subsurface ocean, and a princess in Greek mythology who was carried off by Zeus disguised as a bull. The moon was named after the mythological figure, following the tradition of naming Jupiter's major moons after the god's mythological lovers.
Why is Europa considered important in the search for life beyond Earth?
Europa's icy surface is thought to conceal a liquid subsurface ocean, making it one of the most promising places in the solar system to search for conditions that could support life.
Is Europa related to the name "Europe"?
Yes, the continent Europe is traditionally said to take its name from the mythological princess Europa, linking the moon's name, the myth, and the continent's name to the same origin.
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