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canicular

[kuh-nik-yuh-ler]
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adjective Astronomy.

pertaining to the rising of the Dog Star or to the star itself.

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Origin of canicular

Middle English, late Old English < Late Latin canīculāris of Sirius, equivalent to Latin Canīcul(a) Sirius (cani(s) dog + -cula -cule1) + -āris -ar1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for canicular

Historical Examples of canicular

British Dictionary definitions for canicular

canicular

adjective

of or relating to the star Sirius or its rising
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
Word Origin and History for canicular
adj.

late 14c., in reference to the "dog days," from Latin canicularis "pertaining to the dog days," from canicula "little dog," also "the Dog Star," diminutive of canis (see canine). Also see heliacal; Sirius. In literal use ("pertaining to a dog") historically only as attempt at humor.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper