apus
Definition
Noun: 1. A constellation: A small constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere, located near the South Celestial Pole. Its name is Latin for "bird-of-paradise," though it is often called "the Swift." 2. Type genus: In taxonomy, the genus Apus, which comprises the Old World swifts (birds).
Usage Examples
- As a constellation:
- The constellation Apus is not visible from most northern latitudes.
- Astronomers study faint galaxies within the boundaries of Apus.
- As a genus name:
- The common swift, Apus apus, is a master of aerial life.
- The genus Apus is characterized by long, sickle-shaped wings.
Advanced Usage
- In scientific contexts: The word is primarily used in specialized fields like astronomy and ornithology. In everyday English, it is uncommon.
- Capitalization: When referring to the constellation, it is always capitalized ("Apus"). When used as a genus name in biological classification, it is italicized and capitalized ().
Variants and Related Words
- Apodidae (n): The biological family to which the genus belongs; the swift family.
- Apodiformes (n): The biological order that includes swifts and hummingbirds.
Different Meanings
This word has two distinct, specialized meanings: 1. An astronomical feature (a constellation). 2. A biological classification (a genus of birds).
Synonyms
- For the constellation: There is no common synonym. It is referred to by its Latin name "Apus" or descriptively as "the Bird-of-Paradise constellation."
- For the genus: "Swift" (as a common name for birds in this genus).
Related Idioms or Phrases
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using "Apus" in general English usage due to its highly technical nature.
Noun
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type genus
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a constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere near Octans
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