Chaldean

views updated Jun 08 2018

Chal·de·an / kalˈdēən/ • n. 1. a member of an ancient people who lived in Chaldea c.800 bc and ruled Babylonia 625–539 bc. They were renowned as astronomers and astrologers.2. the Semitic language of the ancient Chaldeans. ∎  a language related to Aramaic and spoken in parts of Iraq.3. a member of a Syrian Uniate (formerly Nestorian) Church based mainly in Iran and Iraq.• adj. 1. of or relating to ancient Chaldea or its people or language. ∎ poetic/lit. of or relating to astrology.2. of or relating to the East Syrian Uniate Church.