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Alcor

[ al-kawr ]

/ ælˈkɔr /

Astronomy.

a star, the fifth-magnitude companion of Mizar in the handle of the Big Dipper.

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DON’T VACILLATE! VANQUISH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

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Question 1 of 7

What does “vacillate” mean?

to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.

to cause to be empty or unoccupied.

to assent tacitly; agree; consent.

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Origin of Alcor

perhaps <Arabic al-khawr the low ground

Words nearby Alcor

alcoholysis, Alcolock, Alcon, alcool, alcopop, Alcor, Alcoran, Alcoranist, Alcorcón, Alcott, Alcott, Louisa May

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for Alcor

The naked eye perceives near it a smaller star, named Alcor.
Pleasures of the telescope|Garrett Serviss
A person with good eyesight can see quite near to it a fifth magnitude star, known under the name of Alcor.
Astronomy of To-day|Cecil G. Dolmage
They saw and named Alcor, thousands of years before telescopes were invented, and long before there were any books to help them.
Earth and Sky Every Child Should Know|Julia Ellen Rogers
To be able to see Alcor with the naked eye means that one has excellent eyesight.
Boy Scouts Handbook|Boy Scouts of America

Alcor (al´-kôr), g Ursæ Majoris, "the cavalier" or "the rider."
A Field Book of the Stars|William Tyler Olcott

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