Alphecca

noun

Al·​phec·​ca al-ˈfe-kə 

astronomy

: a white binary star of the second magnitude that is the brightest star in the constellation Corona Borealis

The brightest star in Corona Borealis is Alphecca, a hot bluish-white star about 75 light-years away—about 435 trillion miles. The light we see from Alphecca tonight left that star in 1936, when FDR was president.

—Mike Lynch, St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press, 4 June 2011

called also Alpha Coronae Borealis

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now