andromeda

/æn'drɔmidə/

Thân thiện

Andromeda is a beautiful constellation visible in the northern night sky.

Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • A constellation in the northern hemisphere: Andromeda is a constellation located between Cassiopeia and Pegasus. It is notable for containing the Andromeda Galaxy, the nearest major galaxy to our own Milky Way.
   • A figure in Greek mythology: Andromeda was an Ethiopian princess, the daughter of Cassiopeia. As a punishment for her mother's boasting, she was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster but was rescued by the hero Perseus, who later married her.

2. Noun:

   • A type of evergreen shrub: Andromeda refers to any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Andromeda, characterized by leathery leaves and clusters of small, typically white or pink, bell-shaped flowers. These are acid-loving plants often found in boggy habitats.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Astronomy):
  • The Andromeda constellation is most visible in the autumn sky.
  • You can see the Andromeda Galaxy with binoculars on a clear night.
• Proper noun (Mythology):
  • The myth of Perseus and Andromeda is a classic tale of heroism.
  • Andromeda's mother, Cassiopeia, offended the sea nymphs with her vanity.
• Noun (Botany):
  • The bog rosemary is a common type of andromeda found in northern wetlands.
  • We planted an andromeda shrub for its attractive evergreen foliage and spring flowers.

Advanced Usage

• "Andromeda Strain": A term popularized by a 1969 science fiction novel and film, referring to a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism. This usage derives from the astronomical connection.
  • Scientists feared the unknown pathogen could be an Andromeda Strain scenario.

Variants and Related Words

• Andromeda Galaxy (M31): The spiral galaxy within the Andromeda constellation, the largest galaxy in the Local Group.
• Andromedid: Pertaining to the constellation Andromeda or a meteor shower whose radiant point lies within it.
• Bog rosemary: A common name for , a specific species of the shrub.

Synonyms

• Constellation: Star pattern, asterism (specifically for the astronomical meaning).
• Shrub: Bush, evergreen (for the botanical meaning). Specific species include bog rosemary and marsh andromeda.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Chained to a rock: A phrase alluding to Andromeda's fate in the myth.
  • She felt like Andromeda, chained to a rock, waiting for a solution to her problem.
• Perseus and Andromeda: A common pairing referring to the mythological rescue and subsequent marriage.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a constellation in the northern hemisphere between Cassiopeia and Pegasus; contains the Andromeda galaxy
2. (Greek mythology) an Ethiopian princess and daughter of Cassiopeia; she was fastened to a rock and exposed to a sea monster that was sent by Poseidon, but she was rescued by Perseus and became his wife
3. any of several shrubs of the genus Andromeda having leathery leaves and clusters of small flowers
4. broad-leaved evergreen Asiatic shrub with glossy leaves and drooping clusters of white flowers

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Andromeda
• Japanese andromeda
• lily-of-the-valley tree
• Pieris japonica