Ophiuchus

American  

[of-ee-yoo-kuhs, oh-fee-] / ˌɒf iˈyu kəs, ˌoʊ fi- /

noun

Astronomy.

genitive

Ophiuchi

1. the Serpent Bearer, a constellation on the celestial equator between Libra and Aquila.

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Ophiuchus British  

/ ɒˈfjuːkəs /

noun

1. a large constellation lying on the celestial equator between Hercules and Scorpius and containing the dark nebula, Ophiuchus Nebula

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Etymology

Origin of Ophiuchus

C17: via Latin from Greek Ophioukhos, from ophis snake + ekhein to hold

Example Sentences

This cloud complex, known as Rho Ophiuchi, is the closest star-forming region to Earth and is found in the sky near the border of the constellations Ophiuchus and Scorpius, the serpent-bearer and scorpion.

From Washington Times • Jul. 12, 2023

The scorpion’s venom came close to killing Orion, but at the last minute he was saved by an antidote provided by the healer Ophiuchus.

From Washington Post • Apr. 30, 2023

Using this technique, scientists successfully found at least 70 new rogue planets with masses comparable to Jupiter in the Upper Scorpius and Ophiuchus constellation of the Milky Way galaxy.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2021

That statement did note that the Babylonians’ ancient stories identified 13 constellations and they left off one — Ophiuchus — to match the calendar.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2020

"On the other side, Incensed with indignation, Satan stood Unterrified, and like a comet burned That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge In the arctic sky, and from his horrid hair Shakes pestilence and war."

From Modern Painters Volume II (of V) by Ruskin, John