Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A genus of Accipitridae: A taxonomic genus within the family Accipitridae, comprising certain eagles.
   • The provincial capital of the Abruzzi region in central Italy: The capital city of both the province of L'Aquila and the Abruzzo region.
   • A constellation in the Milky Way near Cygnus; contains the star Altair: A prominent constellation in the northern hemisphere, representing an eagle.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Genus):

  • The golden eagle belongs to the genus Aquila.
  • Scientists studied the migration patterns of Aquila species.

• Proper noun (City):

  • Aquila was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 2009.
  • We visited the historic center of Aquila.

• Proper noun (Constellation):

  • Look for the star Altair in the constellation Aquila.
  • Aquila is best seen in the summer sky.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific contexts: Used in binomial nomenclature to classify eagle species.
  • The specimen was identified as Aquila chrysaetos.
• In historical/astronomical contexts: Often appears in classical mythology and ancient star catalogs.
  • In myth, Aquila was the eagle that carried Zeus's thunderbolts.

Variants and Related Words

• Aquiline (adj): Relating to or resembling an eagle, often used to describe a curved nose.
  • He had a sharp, aquiline nose.

Synonyms

• For the city: L'Aquila.
• For the constellation: The Eagle.

Noun

1. a genus of Accipitridae
2. the provincial capital of the Abruzzi region in central Italy
3. a constellation in the Milky Way near Cygnus; contains the star Altair