terpsichorean

• Terpsichorean

From Terpsichore (“the Muse of dance in Greek mythology”).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌtəːp.sɪ.kəɹˈiː.ən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌtɝp.sɪ.kəˈɹiː.ən/, /ˌtɝp.sɪˈkɔɹ.iː.ən/

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terpsichorean (comparative more terpsichorean, superlative most terpsichorean)

1. (dance) Of or relating to dancing.
   • 1865, Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend

     This was such an entirely new view of the Terpsichorean art as socially practised, that Mrs Lammle looked at her young friend in some astonishment

   • 1939, T. S. Eliot, The Song of the Jellicles (in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats)

     They're quiet enough in the morning hours,
     They're quiet enough in the afternoon,
     Reserving their terpsichorean powers
     To dance by the light of the Jellicle Moon.

   • 1970, Monty Python, The Cheese Shop

     Oh, heaven forbid: I am one who delights in all manifestations of the Terpsichorean muse!

This word is sometimes capitalized, because of its etymology from a proper noun.

terpsichorean (plural terpsichoreans)

1. A person who dances, especially professionally.