Southern Cross

noun

: four bright stars in the southern hemisphere that are situated as if at the extremities of a Latin cross
also : the constellation of which these four stars are the brightest

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Southern Cross was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near Southern Cross

Cite this Entry

“Southern Cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Southern%20Cross. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

Southern Cross

noun
: four bright stars in the southern hemisphere that are placed as if at the ends of a cross
also : the group of stars of which these four are the brightest
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