constellation
A constellation is a group of stars that forms a specific pattern in the night sky. People give these patterns names, often based on animals, objects, or mythological characters.
Examples
3 of 5I can see the Big Dipper constellation from my bedroom window tonight.
I can see the group of stars called the Big Dipper from my window tonight.
The astronomical society documented a new movement within the Orion constellation.
The group of scientists recorded a change in the Orion star pattern.
Look! That constellation looks exactly like a giant spoon in the sky.
See! That group of stars looks just like a big spoon.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix 'con-' (together) and 'stella' (star). It literally means 'stars together'.
Quick Quiz
The sailor looked up at the _____ to find his way home.
Correct!
The correct answer is: constellation
Examples
I can see the Big Dipper constellation from my bedroom window tonight.
everydayI can see the group of stars called the Big Dipper from my window tonight.
The astronomical society documented a new movement within the Orion constellation.
formalThe group of scientists recorded a change in the Orion star pattern.
Look! That constellation looks exactly like a giant spoon in the sky.
informalSee! That group of stars looks just like a big spoon.
Ancient navigators used the position of each constellation to determine their location at sea.
academicOld sailors used star patterns to find out where they were on the ocean.
Our firm works with a constellation of small tech companies to innovate.
businessOur company works with a large group of small technology businesses.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a constellation of stars
a specific group of stars
a constellation of talent
a group of many very talented people
under the constellation
being located beneath a specific star group
Often Confused With
A galaxy is a massive system of billions of stars, while a constellation is just a small pattern of stars seen from Earth.
Usage Notes
Use this word when talking about the shapes stars make in the sky. You can also use it to describe a large group of impressive people or things.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse it with 'galaxy'. Learners often think a constellation is a physical object in space, but it is actually just a pattern we see from our view on Earth.
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix 'con-' (together) and 'stella' (star). It literally means 'stars together'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'constellatio', which means 'a collection of stars'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Different cultures throughout history, such as the Greeks and Chinese, have identified different shapes and stories in the same groups of stars.
Quick Quiz
The sailor looked up at the _____ to find his way home.
Correct!
The correct answer is: constellation
Related Vocabulary
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foliage
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canopy
A1A canopy is a cover that hangs over something, like a bed or a seat, to provide shade or protection. In nature, it is the top layer of a forest where the branches and leaves of tall trees meet to form a roof.
photosynthesis
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pollination
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