Definition

1. Proper Noun:

   • The Bull (Zodiac Sign): Taurus is the second astrological sign in the zodiac, represented by the symbol of the Bull. In Western astrology, the sun transits this sign approximately from April 20 to May 20.
   • The Bull (Constellation): Taurus is a prominent constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere, located between Aries and Gemini and near Orion. It contains the bright star Aldebaran and the star clusters Pleiades and Hyades.
   • A Person Born Under Taurus: An individual whose birth date falls within the Taurus sun sign period is often called a Taurus. Astrologically, they are associated with traits like reliability, patience, and determination.

2. Noun:

   • A Terrorist: A specific reference to Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, a Venezuelan-born militant who used "Carlos the Jackal" and later "Taurus" as aliases. This is a highly specific, proper noun usage.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun (Zodiac Sign):
  • Her birthday is in late April, so she is a Taurus.
  • The key dates for Taurus season are from April 20 to May 20.
• Proper Noun (Constellation):
  • We looked through the telescope to find the constellation Taurus.
  • Aldebaran is the brightest star in Taurus.
• Proper Noun (Person):
  • As a Taurus, he is known for being very stubborn but incredibly loyal.
  • Tauruses are often said to appreciate comfort and stability.

Advanced Usage

• "Taurean" (Adjective/Noun): Used to describe something related to the sign of Taurus or a person born under it.
  • She has a very Taurean love for gardening and nature. (Adjective)
  • He is a typical Taurean. (Noun)

Variants and Related Words

• Taurean (adj/n): Pertaining to Taurus or a Taurus native.
• The Bull: A common symbolic name for the Taurus constellation and sign.

Synonyms

• The Bull (for the zodiac sign/constellation).
• Earth sign (Taurus is classified as an Earth sign in astrology, alongside Virgo and Capricorn).

Notes on Different Meanings

The word Taurus has two primary, distinct categories of meaning: 1. Astrological/Astronomical: This is by far the most common usage, referring to the zodiac sign, the constellation, or a person born under that sign. 2. Historical/Figurative (as an alias): This refers specifically to the militant Ilich Ramírez Sánchez. This usage is rare outside of historical or political contexts.

Noun

1. the second sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about April 20 to May 20
2. a zodiacal constellation in the northern hemisphere near Orion; between Aries and Gemini
3. (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Taurus
4. Venezuelan master terrorist raised by a Marxist-Leninist father; trained and worked with many terrorist groups (born in 1949)