# daphne

/ˈdæfni/ (US) · /dˈæfni/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/daphne
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small moon that orbits inside the rings of the planet Saturn. It is named after a character from Greek mythology.

For teachers: a small inner satellite of Saturn, also designated as Saturn XXXVIII, which orbits within the Keeler Gap of the A-ring. When capitalised, it refers specifically to this celestial body.

## Examples

- Daphne is a tiny moon located in Saturn's rings.
- The gravity of Daphne creates small waves in the edges of the Keeler Gap as it orbits Saturn.
- High-resolution images from the Cassini spacecraft revealed that Daphne maintains the Keeler Gap by clearing dust and ice particles from its orbital path through gravitational interaction.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the moon of Saturn, it is a proper noun and must be capitalised.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.