Asterism (noun)
as-ter-izm
(astrology) A group of stars./ A constellation.
1590–1600; Greek asterism ( ós ) a marking with stars. See asterisk, -ism
Example sentences
“The Persians first documented the asterism in the due south of the night sky.”
Chalice (noun) chal-is a cup for the wine of the Eucharist or Mass./ A drinking glass or goblet. before 900; Middle English < Middle French < Latin calici- (stem of…
Jocular (adj) jok-yu-lar Given to, characterized by, intended for, or suited to joking or jesting; waggish. First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin joculāris. (more…)
Volubility (noun) vol-yu-bil-i-tee The quality of being talkative, wordy, or glib: First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin volūbilitās, from volūbil(is) (more…)
Archipelago (noun) ar-ki-pel-a-jo A large group or chain of islands. 1495–1505; alteration of Italian arcipelago, alteration of Egeopelago the Aegean Sea < Greek Aigaîon pélagos (more…)
Nidificate (verb) nid-if-i-kayt To build a nest Now in rare usage, first recorded in English between 1810–20; used without an object. From Latin nīdificātus, past participle of nīdificāre, “to build…
Kerplunk (adverb) ker-plunk With a sudden muffled thud First recorded in 1885–90. Onomatopaeic (more…)
Nephogram (noun) nef-o-gram A picture of a cloud or clouds Apparently first used in the early 1900s in academic and meteorological circles. (more…)
Prowess (noun) prou-wess exceptional valour, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle. First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French proesse, proece “goodness, bravery,” equivalent to prou (the…
Tomfoolery (noun) tom-fool-er-ee Silly or foolish behaviour. First recorded in 1805–15; from tomfool (more…)