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Ursa Major

noun
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Ur·​sa Ma·​jor | \ ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər How to pronounce Ursa Major (audio) \

Definition of Ursa Major

: a constellation that is the most conspicuous of the northern constellations, is situated near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line indicating the direction of the North Star

— called also Great Bear

First Known Use of Ursa Major

circa 1627, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Ursa Major

Latin (genitive Ursae Majoris), literally, greater bear

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Time Traveler for Ursa Major

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The first known use of Ursa Major was circa 1627

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Dictionary Entries Near Ursa Major

Urquhart

Ursa Major

Ursa Minor

Statistics for Ursa Major

Cite this Entry

“Ursa Major.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ursa%20Major. Accessed 6 Jul. 2022.

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