PENELOPEAN

PRONUNCIATION: (puh-nel-uh-PEE-uhn)

MEANING: adjective:
1. Involving repetitive or cyclical efforts, often with little apparent progress.
2. Characterized by steadfast loyalty and resilience despite prolonged adversity.

ETYMOLOGY: After Penelope, the wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus in Greek mythology. Earliest documented use: 1627. Some other words coined after her are penelope and penelopize. Also see sisyphean.
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PENELOPAEAN - a solemn song or chant of fidelity, cleverness, tenacity, and triumph, inspired by the story of Odysseus' wife

OPENELOPEAN - mail in an unsealed packet, with no pretense of privacy

PENTELOPEAN - having run away to marry five times