canicular

[kuh-nik-yuh-ler]

adjective Astronomy.

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

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 of canicular

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.
The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened
Kenelm Digby

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.