great dog
Definition
Noun: 1. A constellation to the southeast of Orion; contains Sirius: "Great Dog" is the common name for the constellation Canis Major. It is named for its representation of a large dog and is most famous for containing Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- On a clear winter night, you can easily spot the Great Dog in the southern sky.
- Sirius, the Dog Star, is the most prominent feature of the constellation Great Dog.
Advanced Usage
- "The Greater Dog": An alternative, slightly more formal name for the same constellation.
- In many star atlases, Canis Major is labeled as the Greater Dog.
Variants and Related Words
- Canis Major (n): The official Latin name for the Great Dog constellation.
- Sirius (n): The brightest star within the Great Dog constellation, also known as the Dog Star.
- Canis Minor (n): The "Little Dog" constellation, often paired with Canis Major in mythology.
Synonyms
- Canis Major: The Latin synonym.
- The Greater Dog: A direct synonym.
Notes on Meaning
- Astronomical Term: "Great Dog" is almost exclusively used as a proper noun in the context of astronomy and mythology to refer to the specific constellation. It is not used to describe an actual large breed of dog in modern English. For a large canine, terms like "large dog" or specific breed names (e.g., Great Dane) are used.
Noun
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a constellation to the southeast of Orion; contains Sirius
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