septentrion

noun

sep·​ten·​tri·​on sep-ˈten-trē-ˌän How to pronounce septentrion (audio)
-trē-ən
obsolete
: the northern regions : north

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin septentriones, plural, the seven stars of Ursa Major or Ursa Minor, from septem seven + triones plowing oxen

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near septentrion

Cite this Entry

“Septentrion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/septentrion. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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