Today's Word of the Day, halcyon, carries a sense of nostalgia and has a fascinating journey from ancient mythology to modern English usage. Word of the Day: HALCYONPronunciation: UK: /ˈhæl.si.ən/ or US: /ˈhæl.si.ən/Meaning:As an adjective, halcyon describes a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy, peaceful, and prosperous. ALSO READ | Word of the Day, August 1: 'Sultry’Cultural significance and modern usage:In modern English, "halcyon" is almost exclusively paired with "days," "years," or "youth." "In those halcyon days of childhood, every afternoon stretched out into an eternity of play." "The halcyon calm of the countryside stood in stark contrast to the chaotic noise of the city he had left behind."