Venus cultural definition

The Roman name of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty in classical mythology.

• The second planet from the sun (the Earth is third) is named Venus.

In astronomy, the second major planet from the sun, named for the Roman goddess of love. The surface of Venus is very hot and covered with clouds. Spacecraft from the former Soviet Union landed on Venus and survived long enough to send back photographs and measurements. (See solar system; see under “Mythology and Folklore.”)

• Venus is seen from the Earth as a bright morning or evening star — occasionally bright enough to cast a shadow.