constellation

noun

con·stel·la·tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən

Synonyms of constellation next

: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth

: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations

the constellation Orion

: 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

: pattern, arrangement

… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.—

H. D. Lasswell

constellatory

kən-ˈste-lə-ˌtȯr-ē

adjective

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 The installation, consisting of large transparent acrylic dots suspended like a constellation, will remain on view through January of 2025. —

Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 Aug. 2024 The stars aligned for a pitchers’ duel, and Chris Sale and Blake Snell created a constellation above the China Basin. —

Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2024 The shower, known for its occasional fireballs, sends shooting stars cascading from a radiant point in the Perseus constellation in the northeastern sky. —

Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 11 Aug. 2024 In addition to the plentiful showcase, the Perseids -- which get their name from the constellation Perseus -- are famous for bringing fireballs, bright colors and long meteor tails to the night sky. —

Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 8 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Constellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constellation. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

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Kids Definition

constellation

noun

con·stel·la·tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən

: 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

: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as

: 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

: a group of behavioral or personality traits

Last Updated: 18 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

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constellation

noun

Synonyms

Examples of constellation in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near constellation

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition