Cytherean is an adjective meaning pertaining to Cythera, a small island now part of Greece. It is one of the Ionian islands, and is formally known as Kythira or Κύθηρα. An adjective is a part of speech which modifies a noun, usually making its meaning more specific. ... Kythira, also seen as Kythera, Cythera or Tsirigo, is an island, one of the Ionian Islands. ... The Ionian Islands (Greek: Ionia Nisia, Ιόνια Νησιά; Ancient Greek: Ionioi Nisoi, Ιόνιοι Νήσοι) are a group of islands in Greece. ...

Due to a quirk of the English language, it is also an adjective meaning pertaining to the planet Venus. The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... (*min temperature refers to cloud tops only) Atmospheric characteristics Atmospheric pressure 9. ...

When planetary science began to have a need to discuss Venus in detail, an adjective was needed. The common venusian is etymologically messy (similar to saying "Earthian" or "Jupiterian"), and a "cleaner" version was desired. However, the correct adjectival form of the name would be venereal, which had unfortunate connotations (see venereal diseases) and presented the potential for great confusion. Planetary science, also known as planetology or planetary astronomy, is the science of planets and the solar system, and incorporates an interdisciplinary approach drawing from diverse sciences. ... Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), are diseases that are commonly transmitted between partners through some form of sexual activity, most commonly vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex. ...

It was suggested that since Venus had a Greek name, as well as a Roman one, this should be used; however, the adjectival form of Aphrodite was "aphrodisial", which again was felt to be unforunately close to "aphrodisiac", evoking matters not directly pertaining to astronomy. An aphrodisiac is an agent which causes the arousal of sexual desire. ...

A compromise was reached; in Greek mythology, the goddess of Love named Aphrodite was said to have emerged from the Mediterranean Sea onto the island of Cythera, and as such was sometimes known as Cytherea and at other times she is known as Venus. The adjective cytherean was decided on; this remained popular for some time, but has now fallen out of common use. However, it is still often found in older scientific papers, and some scientists stick to the "tasteful" naming. Greek mythology comprises the collected narratives of Greek gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines, originally created and spread within an oral-poetic tradition. ... Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty. ... Satellite image The Mediterranean Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean almost completely enclosed by land, on the north by Europe, on the south by Africa, and on the east by Asia. ...