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constellatory

 - 5 dictionary results

con⋅stel⋅la⋅tion

  [kon-stuh-ley-shuhn]
Use constellatory in a Sentence
–noun
1. Astronomy.
a. any of various groups of stars to which definite names have been given, as Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Boötes, Cancer, Orion.
b. the section of the heavens occupied by such a group.
2. Astrology.
a. the grouping or relative position of the stars as supposed to influence events, esp. at a person's birth.
b. Obsolete. character as presumed to be determined by the stars.
3. a group or configuration of ideas, feelings, characteristics, objects, etc., that are related in some way: a constellation of qualities that made her particularly suited to the job.
4. any brilliant, outstanding group or assemblage: a constellation of great scientists.
Origin:
1275–1325; ME constellacioun (< AF) < LL constellātiōn- (s. of constellātiō). See constellate, -ion

Related forms:
con⋅stel⋅la⋅to⋅ry  [kuhn-stel-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] , adjective

Synonyms:
4. gathering, company, circle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To constellatory
con·stel·la·tion   (kŏn'stə-lā'shən)   
n.  

  1. Astronomy

    1. An arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure or design, especially one of 88 recognized groups named after characters from classical mythology and various common animals and objects.

    2. An area of the celestial sphere occupied by one of the 88 recognized constellations.

  2. The configuration of planets at the time of one's birth, regarded by astrologers as determining one's character or fate.

  3. A gathering or an assemblage, especially of prominent persons or things: The symposium was attended by a constellation of artists and writers.

  4. A set or configuration, as of related items, properties, ideas, or individuals: a constellation of demands ranging from better food to improved health care; a constellation of feelings about the divorce.


[Middle English constellacioun, from Old French constellation, from Late Latin cōnstellātiō, cōnstellātiōn- : Latin com-, com- + Latin stēlla, star; see ster-3 in Indo-European roots.]
con·stel'la·to'ry (-stěl'ə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

constellation

An easily recognized group of stars that appear to be located close together in the sky and that form a picture if lines connecting them are imagined. Constellations are usually named after an animal, a character from mythology, or a common object. (See Big Dipper, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

constellation 
c.1320, from O.Fr. constellation, from L.L. constellationem (nom. constellatus) "set with stars," from L. com- "with" + pp. of stellare "to shine," from stella "star." Originally in astrology, of position of planets ("stars") in regard to one another on a given day, usually one's birth day, as a determination of one's character. "I folwed ay myn inclinacioun/By vertu of my constillacioun" (Chaucer, "Wife's Prologue," c.1386). Modern astronomical sense is from 1551.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: con·stel·la·tion
Pronunciation: "kän(t)-st&-'lA-sh&n
Function: noun
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, ortraits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as a : a group of stimulus conditions or factors affecting personality and behavior development constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boy —S. B. Sarason> b : a group of behavioral or personality traits
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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