# Saturn

/ˈsætɝn/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. the planet

noun · CEFR A2

the sixth planet from the sun, which is famous for having large rings around it.

For teachers: the sixth planet from the sun and the second-largest in the solar system, distinguished by its extensive planetary ring system.

- Through a telescope, you can clearly see the rings of Saturn.
- Saturn is a gas giant composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, featuring a complex system of rings made primarily of ice particles.

### 2. Roman god

noun · CEFR B2

the ancient Roman god of farming and time.

For teachers: the Roman god of agriculture, liberation, and time, identified with the Greek titan Cronus.

- The ancient Romans held a festival called Saturnalia to honor Saturn.
- In Roman mythology, Saturn was believed to have ruled during a golden age of peace and prosperity.

### 3. lead (metal)

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

an old name for the metal lead.

For teachers: an obsolete alchemical name for the metallic element lead.

- In old books about alchemy, the symbol for Saturn meant lead.
- The alchemist's manuscript referred to the transmutation of Saturn into gold, using the planet's name to represent lead.

## Examples

- Saturn has beautiful rings made of ice and rock.
- The new telescope captured a clear image of Saturn's rings.
- Astronomers study Saturn's atmospheric storms to understand the weather patterns of gas giants.

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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.