Pavo

1 of 2

noun (1)

Pa·​vo

ˈpā-(ˌ)vō,

ˈpä-

: a genus of gallinaceous birds (family Phasianidae) consisting of the peacocks

Pavo

2 of 2

noun (2)

Pa·​vo

ˈpā-(ˌ)vō

astronomy

: a southern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Telescopium and Octans and that is represented by the figure of a peacock

The region covers a third of the night sky in the Southern Hemisphere, from the constellation Centaurus on one side to Pavo and Indus on the other.

—Philip J. Hilts, New York Times, 12 Jan. 1990

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

New Latin, from Latin, peacock

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1728, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!