europa
europa — noun
1. one of Jupiter's four large moons, covered in ice and believed to have a liquid
one of Jupiter's four large moons, covered in ice and believed to have a liquid ocean beneath its surface, which makes it one of the most promising places in the solar system to look for life
NASA's Europa Clipper will fly close to the moon to study its icy surface and hidden ocean.
astronomy proper noun + spacecraft mission name
Scientists think that Europa may contain more liquid water than all of Earth's oceans combined.
Telescopes on Earth can barely see the dark cracks that run across Europa's frozen surface.
Among Jupiter's four large moons, Europa is the one astrobiologists are most excited about.
comparative structure: among + superlative
- Europa's surface
- Europa's ocean
- Europa Clipper
- Jupiter's moon Europa
Usage Note
Always capitalised. In scientific writing it is often preceded by the name of the planet: 'Jupiter's moon Europa'.
2. in ancient Greek mythology, a Phoenician princess whom Zeus fell in love with an
in ancient Greek mythology, a Phoenician princess whom Zeus fell in love with and carried away to Crete while disguised as a white bull, and whose name became linked to the continent of Europe
Nikos read about the princess Europa and the white bull in his mythology class.
proper noun in mythology narrative context
Renaissance painters often showed Zeus carrying Europa across the sea on his back.
The story of Europa explains how the continent of Europe got its name.
etymological connection: Europa → Europe
Hoa found a beautiful painting of Europa riding the white bull at the museum.
- abduction of Europa
- myth of Europa
Usage Note
This sense refers almost exclusively to the ancient mythological figure, not to a modern person or place name.