noun

1. Gr. Myth. one of the Pleiades, mother of Hermes by Zeus

2. Etymology: L, fem. of Maius, a deity (lit., ? he who brings increase, or the great one) < Magnus (see magni-): later confused with Gr Maia

   Rom. Myth. an earth goddess, sometimes identified with the Greek Maia: the month of May was named in her honor

Etymology: Gr, lit., mother < ma, baby talk for mētēr, mother