{i} young person loved by Aphrodite and Persephone who was killed by a wild boar while hunting and is allowed to spend 4 months every year with Aphrodite and 4 months with Persephone and 4 months anywhere he chooses (Greek Mythology); very handsome and attractive young man; type of herb belonging to the buttercup family; type of flower
In Greek mythology, a youth of remarkable beauty, the favorite of Aphrodite. As a child he was put in the care of Persephone, who refused to allow him to return from the underworld. Zeus ruled that he should spend a third of the year with Persephone, a third with Aphrodite, and a third on his own. He became a hunter and was killed by a boar. In answer to Aphrodite's pleas, Zeus allowed him to spend half the year with her and half in the underworld. Mythically, Adonis represents the cycle of death and resurrection in winter and spring. He is identified with the Babylonian god Tammuz
Abeautiful boy The allusion is to Adonis, who was beloved by Venus, and was killed by a boar while hunting "Rose-cheeked Adonis hied him to the chase; Hunting he loved; but love he laughed to scorn Sick-thoughted Venus makes amain unto him, And, like a bold-faced suitor, gins to woo him " Shakespeare: Venus and Adonis
a youth loved by Aphrodite who was killed at hunting by a wild boar and restored to Aphrodite from Hades for a part of each year [Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary; see cue/www=Merriam-Webster OnLine] (language=Ellinika')