Centaurus

noun

Cen·​tau·​rus sen-ˈtȯr-əs How to pronounce Centaurus (audio)
: a southern constellation between the Southern Cross and Hydra (see Hydra sense 3)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web These irregular structures are the Centaurus, Sagittarius, Carina, Outer and Local Arms. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 28 Apr. 2023 Measuring the strength of that shifting reveals our total current speed—roughly 600 kilometers per second—and our direction: somewhere toward the constellation Centaurus. Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 24 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Centaurus.' 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

Latin (genitive Centauri)

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Centaurus was in 1550

Dictionary Entries Near Centaurus

Cite this Entry

“Centaurus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Centaurus. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on Centaurus

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