constellation

noun

con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
1
: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2
: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
the constellation Orion
3
: 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
4
: pattern, arrangement
… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.H. D. Lasswell
constellatory 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 research relies upon machine learning, a process in which computers identify patterns to make predictions and decisions, and constellations of commercial satellites that scan Earth’s surface daily. Bennet Goldstein, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 The blizzard didn’t let up on the constellation of snow resorts across the Sierra. Daniel Hunt, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2024 Likewise, trying to cover all of the legends and mythological tales of the constellation Orion in a single column is just as daunting. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2024 Plus the Constellation Carousel, a roundabout-style ride aboard constellations that move forward, backward, and 360 degrees around. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 30 Jan. 2024 Head to the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis for a stellar view of the Milky Way and various constellations. Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2024 Musk and SpaceX are open about plans to offer worldwide internet coverage beamed down from orbit through its growing constellation of Starlink satellites. Robert Hart, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Belle Isle's many partnerships Among these public amenities, Belle Isle operates with a constellation of partners. Detroit Free Press, 17 Feb. 2024 Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of conditions that together increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular problems, including heart attack. Kelly Wood, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2024

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

Dictionary Entries Near constellation

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as
a
: 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 boyS. B. Sarason
b
: a group of behavioral or personality traits
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