Procyon

[ proh-see-on ]

/ ˈproʊ siˌɒn /

noun Astronomy.

a first-magnitude star in the constellation Canis Minor.

Origin of Procyon

1650–60; < Latin < Greek Prokýōn name of a star, equivalent to pro- pro-² + kýōn dog (see hound¹); so called because it rises just before Sirius, the Dog Star

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for procyon

This reasoning would argue that Procyon cancrivorus probably enjoys higher, rather than lower, than expected rmax.
Metabolic Adaptation to Climate and Distribution of the Raccoon Procyon Lotor and Other Procyonidae|John N. Mugaas
Values for other procyonids were higher than this, but less than the value for Procyon lotor (1.76) in summer.
Metabolic Adaptation to Climate and Distribution of the Raccoon Procyon Lotor and Other Procyonidae|John N. Mugaas
Procyon, α of Canis Minor, has several minute stars in the same field of view.
Pleasures of the telescope|Garrett Serviss
Nine years had passed, but yet another remained before the giant starship would touch down on a planet of Procyon's.
Starman's Quest|Robert Silverberg

Both lifecraft hung motionless relative to the Procyon's hulk.
Subspace Survivors|E. E. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for procyon

Procyon

/ (ˈprəʊsɪən) /

noun

the brightest star in the constellation Canis Minor, a binary with a very faint companion. Visual magnitude: 0.34; spectral type: F5IV; distance: 114 light years

Word Origin for Procyon

C17: via Latin from Greek Prokuōn literally: before the Dog, from pro- ² + kuōn dog; so named because it rises just before Sirius, the Dog Star

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 procyon

Procyon

bright star in constellation Canis Minoris, 1650s, from Latin, from Greek prokyon, from pro "before" (see pro-) + kyon "dog" (see canine (n.)); so called from its rising just before the "Dog Star," Sirius. By Roman astronomers, sometimes Latinized as Antecanis.

Science definitions for procyon

Procyon

[ prō′sē-ŏn′ ]

A very bright binary star in the constellation Canis Minor, with an apparent magnitude of 0.34. Scientific name: Alpha Canis Minoris.