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it
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constellation
Definitions
1
noun
A
group
of
stars
that
forms
a
recognizable
pattern
in
the
night
sky
,
often
named
after
mythological
figures
,
animals
,
or
objects
.
The
constellation
Orion
is
visible
in
the
winter
sky
.
Astronomers
use
constellations
to
help
locate
stars
.
The
Big
Dipper
is
part
of
the
larger
constellation
Ursa
Major
.
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Word Origin
Language
Latin
Original word
constellātiō
Word parts
con (together) + stella (star)
Originally meant
a set of stars
Background
The term 'constellation' comes from the Latin 'constellātiō', meaning a group of stars. Ancient cultures named constellations after gods, animals, and objects they saw in the sky.