Sappho

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A prominent ancient Greek poet known for her lyrical poetry, often focused on themes of love and desire
2. A figure from the island of Lesbos whose personal experiences and expressions have influenced literature and feminist thought
3. An important cultural icon representing female same-sex love, celebrated in various literary and artistic contexts throughout history

Etymology: Sappho was a poet who lived on the island of Lesbos around 600 BCE, and her name is one of the few ancient Greek personal names that has become a common noun in English. The word "sappho" in the sense of a female poet is a proper noun turned generic, the way "Byronic" or "Shakespearean" are derived from famous names, though here the name itself was used directly. Her name is the basis of the English term "sapphic," an adjective that the word's history connects to her reputation. The poet's own name is generally taken to be of Greek origin, though its ultimate etymology is not firmly established, and scholars have offered several uncertain suggestions. Her poetry survives mainly in fragments quoted by later writers, which is part of why her name carries such weight: most of what a reader knows of her comes from the reputation that built up around the name over centuries.