Tucana

noun

Tu·​ca·​na tü-ˈkā-nə How to pronounce Tucana (audio)
astronomy
: a southern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Hydrus and Grus and that is represented by the figure of a toucan
Over a similar 10-day period last month, the Hubble telescope operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was focused on a narrow region in the constellation Tucana, near the south celestial pole.John Noble Wilford, New York Times, 24 Nov. 1998

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Tucana was in 1802

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

Dictionary Entries Near Tucana

Cite this Entry

“Tucana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tucana. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!