constellations
|con-stel-la-tions|
🇺🇸
/ˌkɑːn.stəˈleɪ.ʃənz/
🇬🇧
/ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃənz/
(constellation)
star pattern
Etymology
'constellations' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'constellatio', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'stella' meant 'star'.
'constellatio' passed into Old French as 'constellation', then into Middle English as 'constellacioun', and eventually became the modern English 'constellation', with the plural 'constellations'.
Initially, it meant a 'setting with stars' or an arrangement of stars, and over time it broadened to include figurative senses of any grouped arrangement or configuration.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
groups of stars that form recognizable patterns in the night sky and have established names.
On clear winter nights, the constellations sparkle across the sky.
Synonyms
Noun 2
configurations or assemblages of related elements viewed as a set (figurative).
Researchers observed constellations of symptoms across different patients.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
plural form of 'constellation'.
The festival brought together constellations of international stars.
Last updated: 2025/08/12 10:07