Octans

noun

Oc·​tans ˈäk-ˌtanz How to pronounce Octans (audio)
astronomy
: a constellation that is visible at the south celestial pole and that is represented by the figure of a navigational octant
Octans the Octant, where the south celestial pole sits, is so faint it's not there.Bob Berman, Astronomy, May 1998

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Octans was in 1801

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Cite this Entry

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

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