Centaurus

noun

Cen·​tau·​rus sen-ˈtȯr-əs How to pronounce Centaurus (audio)
: a southern constellation between the Southern Cross and Hydra (see Hydra sense 3)

Examples of Centaurus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Creed Centaurus and Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Centaurus is an intoxicating ambery leather with a lovely heliotrope note that is perfectly complemented by the cherry and patchouli present in Sabrina Carpenter’s new cherry confection. Bea McMonagle, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 The three bold Picasso-esque works made in the Alentejo town of Portalegre are with their half-human, half-horse figures based, of course, on the constellation Centaurus. John Oseid, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 Echoes of the Past by Bence Tóth A shot of galaxy NGC 5128, also known as Centaurus A, took home the prize in the galaxies category. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024 The system is found in the constellation Centaurus and is seen in the southern sky. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 It is located roughly 6,500 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Centaurus and this new image shows the nebula in new detail. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Dec. 2023 Several long, irregular arms also wind around its core, including the Centaurus, Sagittarius, Carina, Outer, and Local arms. WIRED, 12 Nov. 2023 Several long, irregular arms also wind around its core, including the Centaurus, Sagittarius, Carina, Outer and Local arms. Quanta Magazine, 28 Sep. 2023 This new information about the Centaurus A black hole fills in a gap at the mid-range size. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 July 2021

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Centauri)

First Known Use

1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Centaurus was in 1550

Dictionary Entries Near Centaurus

Cite this Entry

“Centaurus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Centaurus. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

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