io

A type of moth, the io moth.

Interjection

  1. An exclamation of joy or triumph.
    • Do as thou wilt, as a great god can, O Pan! Io Pan! Io Pan! Io Pan Pan! I am awake In the grip of the snake. - 1913, Crowley, Aleister, “Hymn To Pan”, in Book 4, University of California Libraries, Magick in Theory and...

Origin

From Latin iō; compare Ancient Greek ἰώ (iṓ, “oh!”).

Noun

  1. A type of moth, the io moth.
    • These lines appear to serve as roadways or guides to any stragglers that may have hung back for some reason known only to an io. - 1936, Paul Griswold Howes, Hand book for the curious:

Origin

From New Latin, from Ancient Greek Ἰώ (Iṓ, “Io”).

Forms

ios