constellation
Astronomy.
any of various groups of stars to which definite names have been given, as Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Boötes, Cancer, Orion.
the section of the heavens occupied by such a group.
Astrology.
the grouping or relative position of the stars as supposed to influence events, especially at a person's birth.
Obsolete. character as presumed to be determined by the stars.
a group or configuration of ideas, feelings, characteristics, objects, etc., that are related in some way: a constellation of qualities that made her particularly suited to the job.
any brilliant, outstanding group or assemblage: a constellation of great scientists.
Origin of constellation
1Other words for constellation
Other words from constellation
- con·stel·la·to·ry [kuhn-stel-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], /kənˈstɛl əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjective
- sub·con·stel·la·tion, noun
Words Nearby constellation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use constellation in a sentence
The Global Positioning System consists of a constellation of around 30 satellites orbiting 20,000 kilometers above Earth.
SpaceX’s Starlink satellites could make US Army navigation hard to jam | Niall Firth | September 28, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewIt has now launched almost 700 satellites of a planned constellation of thousands and said service could begin in parts of North America by the end of the year.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Internet service, Starlink, officially reveals download speeds | Aaron Pressman | September 3, 2020 | FortuneOneWeb founder Greg Wyler has argued that his company’s constellation was less likely to result in satellite collisions thanks to its higher orbit of 1,200 kilometers.
Satellite mega-constellations risk ruining astronomy forever | Neel Patel | September 2, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewAfter all, the fastest and most effective solution would be to stop launching constellations—and that’s simply a nonstarter.
Satellite mega-constellations risk ruining astronomy forever | Neel Patel | September 2, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewThe report recommends that companies refrain from putting constellations above an altitude of 600 kilometers.
Satellite mega-constellations risk ruining astronomy forever | Neel Patel | September 2, 2020 | MIT Technology Review
HL Tauri is about 450 light-years away in the constellation of Taurus.
The Most Stunning View Ever of Planets Being Born | Matthew R. Francis | November 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTToday, all that remains of these Jewish holiday centers is a constellation of derelict buildings.
The Best of the Beast, Aug 25-31: High Schools, Houdini and Hip-Hop Jihadists | The Daily Beast | August 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBy the end of the book the stars converge into a constellation.
The political constellation is dotted with a range of parties representing different interests, with overlap between them.
In France, a whole constellation of (relatively) young thinkers are transforming it: Foucault, Althusser, Deleuze, etc.
Derrida’s ‘Of Grammatology’ and the Birth of Deconstruction | Benoît Peeters | December 21, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTAlthough eclipsed in show by some present, theirs was a new constellation, and they must support observation as they could.
Alone | Marion HarlandAfter death his spirit appeared at certain times and seasons as a planet, star, or constellation.
Myths of Babylonia and Assyria | Donald A. MackenzieWhat's your price on a whole constellation with a lovers' moon thrown in?
The Highgrader | William MacLeod RaineIt is not easy to guess why this constellation should have been called the Bear.
Astronomy for Amateurs | Camille FlammarionThe first star of which the distance was calculated is in this constellation.
Astronomy for Amateurs | Camille Flammarion
British Dictionary definitions for constellation
/ (ˌkɒnstɪˈleɪʃən) /
any of the 88 groups of stars as seen from the earth and the solar system, many of which were named by the ancient Greeks after animals, objects, or mythological persons
an area on the celestial sphere containing such a group
a gathering of brilliant or famous people or things
psychoanal a group of ideas felt to be related
Origin of constellation
1Derived forms of constellation
- constellational, adjective
- constellatory (kənˈstɛlətərɪ, -trɪ), adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for constellation
[ kŏn′stə-lā′shən ]
A group of stars seen as forming a figure or design in the sky, especially one of 88 officially recognized groups, many of which are based on mythological traditions from ancient Greek and Middle Eastern civilizations.
An area of the sky occupied by one of the 88 recognized constellations. These irregularly defined areas completely fill the celestial sphere and divide it into nonoverlapping sections used in describing the location of celestial objects.
a closer look
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for constellation
An easily recognized group of stars that appear to be located close together in the sky and that form a picture if lines connecting them are imagined. Constellations are usually named after an animal, a character from mythology, or a common object. (See Big Dipper, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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