isis

I"sis, n. Etym: [L., the goddess Isis, fr. Gr. 1. (Myth.) Defn: The principal goddess worshiped by the Egyptians. She was regarded as the mother of Horus, and the sister and wife of Osiris. The Egyptians adored her as the goddess of fecundity, and as the great benefactress of their country, who instructed their ancestors in the art of agriculture. 2. (Zoöl.) Defn: Any coral of the genus Isis, or family Isidæ, composed of joints of white, stony coral, alternating with flexible, horny joints. See Gorgoniacea. 3. (Astron.) Defn: One of the asteroids.

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