constellation
/ˌkɒnstəˈleɪʃən/
noun
Origin
Latin
constellatio — set with stars
Overview
Meaning Now
- A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure.
- A group or configuration of related people, things, or ideas.
Literal older meaning
a collection of stars
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
constellacioun
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term was originally rooted in astrology, where a 'constellation' referred to the specific arrangement of planets and stars at a person's birth, believed to influence their character and fate. By the 17th century, the meaning became firmly fixed on the physical patterns of stars in the night sky.
Evolution
- Latin
com- + stella
“together with stars”
From 'com-' (with) and 'stella' (star).
- Late Latin
constellatio
“a cluster of stars or position of stars”
Used in an astrological sense referring to the configuration of celestial bodies.
- Middle English
constellacioun
“a group of stars or astrological configuration”
Borrowed from Old French 'constellacion'.
- Early Modern English
constellation
“pattern of stars”
Standardized spelling and narrowing of astronomical sense.
Connections
Word parts
con-
prefix
together
stella
root
star
-tion
suffix
process or state
Related across languages
French
constellation
Spanish
constelación
constellation
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.