constellation

noun

con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
Synonyms of constellationnext
1
: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2
: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
the constellation Orion
3
: an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things
… a constellation of … relatives, friends, and hangers-on …—Brendan Gill
a constellation of symptoms
4
: pattern, arrangement
… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.—H. D. Lasswell
constellatory
kən-ˈste-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce constellation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of constellation in a Sentence

The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper. A large constellation of relatives and friends attended the funeral. The patient presented a constellation of symptoms.
Recent Examples on the Web Ellis would not confirm this, but multiple people have told Ars that Relativity recently signed a deal for multiple launches with Amazon's Project Kuiper constellation. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 4 Sep. 2024 Centaurus & Delphinus Fragrances by Creed: Inspired by the constellation and the allure of amber scents, Creed has launched a duo of fragrances today, Centaurus and Delphinus. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 In Dallas-Fort Worth, look north and find the constellation Cassiopeia. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024 While the shooting stars appear to stream out of the constellation Perseus, that’s not the source of the meteors, NASA explains. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 11 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for constellation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constellation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English constellacioun, from Anglo-French constellation, from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio, from Latin com- + stella star — more at star

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constellation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near constellation

constellate

constellation

constellational

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Constellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constellation. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.

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Kids Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns
Etymology

Middle English constellacioun "the position of the stars in the sky at the time of a person's birth," from early French constellation (same meaning), from Latin con-, com- "with" and stella "star"

Medical Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as
a
: a group of stimulus conditions or factors affecting personality and behavior development
the way in which family constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boy—S. B. Sarason
b
: a group of behavioral or personality traits
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