garuda

/ˈɡæɹʊdə/

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Sanskrit गरुड (garuḍa).

garuda means the Hindu name for the constellation Aquila. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.

Why this word is great

GARUDA — [Noun] In Hindu and Buddhist mythology, a large, powerful, and divine bird or bird-like creature, specifically the king of birds and the mount (vahana) of the god Vishnu. Learned borrowing from Sanskrit गरुड (garuḍa), a mythical bird. Unlike the phoenix, which is consumed and reborn in a cycle of fragile renewal, or the harpy, a vengeful, hybrid tormentor, the Garuda is a singular, eternal being of immense strength and unwavering, sacred duty. He is the thunder of wings that parts the ocean of milk, the flash of gold against the monsoon-dark sky, and the unwavering, celestial steadiness beneath a god's feet—a being of absolute purpose, forever carrying the skyward.

name

The Hindu name for the constellation Aquila.
A Hindu deity, half-bird, half-man, that serves as the vahana of Vishnu.

noun

A large mythical bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Garuda is the son of Vinata.