Sextans

noun

Sex·​tans ˈseks-ˌtanz How to pronounce Sextans (audio)
: a constellation on the equator south of Leo

Word History

Etymology

New Latin (genitive Sextantis), literally, sextant

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Sextans was in 1795

Browse Nearby Words

sextain
Sextans
sextant
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Cite this Entry

“Sextans.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sextans. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Sextans

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Sextans

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