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canicular

[kuh-nik-yuh-ler]
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adjective Astronomy.
  1. 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. 2018

Examples from the Web for canicular

Historical Examples

  • It is best made by taking all the Canicular days into your fermentation.

    The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened

    Kenelm Digby

  • It is best made by taking all the Canicular days into your Page li fermentation.

British Dictionary definitions for canicular

canicular

adjective
  1. of or relating to the star Sirius or its rising
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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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper