English
constellation
Pronunciation
  • (British) IPA: /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/
  • (America) IPA: /ˌkɑn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/
Noun

constellation (plural constellations)

  1. (astronomy) An asterism, an arbitrary formation of star#Noun|stars perceived as a figure#Noun|figure or pattern#Noun|pattern, or a division of the sky including it, especially one officially recognised by astronomers.
    1. (modern astronomy) Any of the 88 regions of the sky officially recognized by the IAU, including all stars and celestial bodies in the region. [1920s]
    • 1824, Astronomical Recreations; or, Sketches of the Relative Position and Mythological History of the Constellations, Philadelphia, p. 78:
      Harpa Georgii, or the Harp of George, is a new constellation introduced on the maps by one of the German astronomers, in honour of the late king of England, George III.
  2. An image associated with a group of stars.
  3. (astrology) The configuration of planets at a given time#Noun|time (notably of birth), as use#Verb|used for determining a horoscope.
  4. (figuratively) A wide, seemingly unlimited assortment.
    A constellation of possibilities.
  5. (spaceflight) A fleet of satellites of the same purpose such as the set of GPS satellites, or Iridium satcom fleet.
  6. A configuration or grouping.
    • 2010, Jason B. Ohler, Digital Community, Digital Citizen (page 15)
      This software constellation persists today as Microsoft Office, the most popular software tool set in history.
  7. A network of connections that exists between people who are in polyamorous relationships, for example between one person, their partner, and that person's partner.
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