Gemini

noun

Gem·​i·​ni ˈje-mə-ˌnī  -(ˌ)nē 

ˈge-mə-ˌnē

plural in form but singular in construction

1

: the third zodiacal constellation that is pictorially represented as the twins Castor and Pollux sitting together, that is visible in the sky on the opposite side of the Milky Way from Taurus and Orion, and that is located between Cancer and Taurus in the zodiac

2

a

: the third sign of the zodiac in astrology see Signs of the Zodiac Table

b

: one born under the sign of Gemini

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Geminorum), literally, the twins (Castor and Pollux)

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Gemini

noun

Gem·​i·​ni ˈjem-ə-(ˌ)nē 

-ˌnī;

ˈgem-ə-ˌnē

1

: a group of stars between Taurus and Cancer usually pictured as twins sitting together

2

a

: the third sign of the zodiac see zodiac

b

: a person whose sign of the zodiac is Gemini

Etymology

Latin, literally, "the twins" (Castor and Pollux)

Word Origin

Among the gods worshipped by the ancient Greeks and Romans were twins named Castor and Pollux. They were believed to be sons of Zeus and Leda. These twins spent most of their lives together. After their deaths, Zeus allowed them to spend eternity together as stars. They were worshipped as protectors of athletes and sailors. The two of them are usually pictured together in the constellation called Gemini, the Latin word for "twins."