Eridanus

American  

[ih-rid-n-uhs] / ɪˈrɪd n əs /

noun

Astronomy.

genitive

Eridani

1. the River, a large southern constellation between Cetus and Orion, containing the bright star Achernar.

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Eridanus British  

/ ɛˈrɪdənəs /

noun

1. a long twisting constellation in the S hemisphere extending from Orion to Hydrus and containing the first magnitude star Achernar

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Etymology

Origin of Eridanus

from Greek Eridanos river in Italy (sometimes identified with the Po) into which, according to legend, Phaëthon fell

Example Sentences

The two planets were discovered orbiting a star obliquely named LP 890-9, which is in the constellation Eridanus, about 105 lightyears from where you're reading this.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2022

In 1960, the astronomer Frank Drake periodically pointed an 85-foot radio telescope at two nearby Sun-like stars, Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridanus, hoping to tune in to any transmissions.

From Scientific American • Jul. 20, 2015

There they were turned into poplar trees, on the bank of the Eridanus,

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

The mysterious river Eridanus, which no mortal eyes have ever seen, received him and put out the flames and cooled the body.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Again, Pharaoh, the Egyptian dragon, says, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself;" just as Cetus, the Sea-monster, is represented as pouring forth Eridanus, the river, from its mouth.

From The Astronomy of the Bible An Elementary Commentary on the Astronomical References of Holy Scripture by Maunder, E. Walter (Edward Walter)