Praesepe

[ pri-see-pee, prahy-suh-pee ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. an open star cluster in the center of the constellation Cancer, visible to the naked eye.

Praesepe

/ praɪˈsiːpɪ /

noun

1. an open cluster of several hundred stars in the constellation Cancer, visible to the naked eye as a hazy patch of light

Word History and Origins

Origin of Praesepe¹

1650–60; < Latin praesēpe crib from which cattle or horses are fed, manger; the neighboring brighter stars Gamma and Delta Cancri ( Asellus Borealis and Asellus Australis ) were pictured as asses which fed from a manger

Example Sentences

The cluster Praesepe in Cancer is visible on a clear night to the unaided eye as a small nebula.

From Project Gutenberg

The antiphon was in direct imitation of the other, commencing 'Quem quaeritis in praesepe, pastores?'

From Project Gutenberg

Behind the high altar a praesepe or “crib” was prepared, with an image of the Virgin.

From Project Gutenberg

The nebula Praesepe in Cancer, he was also able to resolve into a cluster of stars.

From Project Gutenberg