dog days
/ˈdɒɡ deɪz/
noun
Origin
Latin
dies caniculares — dog days
Overview
Meaning Now
- The hottest, most sultry period of summer, typically occurring in late July and early August.
Literal older meaning
days associated with the star Sirius, the 'Dog Star'.
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
dogge dayes
Earliest period
16. yüzyıl
Journey
The term originates from ancient Greek and Roman observation that the star Sirius—the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (the Greater Dog)—rises with the sun in late summer. Ancient astronomers believed the combined heat of the star and the sun was responsible for the oppressive humidity and heat of the season, often associating this time with bad luck, disease, and lethargy.
Evolution
- Antik Roma
dies caniculares
“The days associated with the star Sirius rising with the sun.”
- Orta Fransızca
jours caniculaires
“The hot days of summer.”
- 16. yüzyıl İngilizcesi
dogge dayes
“Period of extreme summer heat.”
Connections
Word parts
dog
root
Referencing the star Sirius (the Dog Star).
days
root
Period of time.
Related across languages
Fransızca
jours caniculaires
dog days
Almanca
Hundstage
dog days
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.