Arcturus

noun

Arc·​tu·​rus ärk-ˈtu̇r-əs How to pronounce Arcturus (audio)
-ˈtyu̇r-
: a giant fixed star of the first magnitude in Boötes

Examples of Arcturus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the Northern Hemisphere, it can be identified by finding the two brightest stars -- Arcturus and Vega -- and tracking a straight line from one to the other, leading stargazers to Hercules and the Corona Borealis. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 31 Oct. 2024 Even with the naked eye, Arcturus stands out with its distinctive orange hue, shining at us from about 215 trillion miles away. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 26 May 2024 So far, the guiding lights to find the comet have been the bright planet Venus and the bright red star Arcturus. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 Swivel 180 degrees back from the moon to look west for the bright planet Venus and the bright twinkling, reddish star star Arcturus, the brightest star in the constellation Boötes; the comet will be high above a point roughly halfway between them. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 The comet will be roughly halfway between the bright planet Venus and the star Arcturus, according to The Sky Live, a guide to the solar system. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024 And by October 14, the comet may be visible at the halfway point between Venus and the bright star Arcturus. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 How to find the constellation Virgo Search for the curved handle of the Big Dipper, writes Space.com, then follow that arc to the bright star Arcturus. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 7 Oct. 2024 Look for the Big Dipper and follow its handle pointing toward the star Arcturus. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Arktouros, literally, bear watcher

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Arcturus was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Arcturus

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

Arcturus

noun
Arc·​tu·​rus ärk-ˈt(y)u̇r-əs How to pronounce Arcturus (audio)
: a very large bright star in Boötes that does not appear to move

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