Arcturus

[ ahrk-toor-uhs, -tyoor- ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a first-magnitude star in the constellation Boötes.

Arcturus

/ ɑːkˈtjʊərəs /

noun

1. the brightest star in the constellation Boötes: a red giant. Visual magnitude: –0.4; spectral type: K2III; distance: 37 light years

Arcturus

/ ärk-tr′əs /

1. A giant star in the constellation Boötes. It is the brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere and the fourth brightest star in the sky, with an apparent magnitude of 0.00. Scientific name: Alpha Boötes.

Derived Forms

• Arcˈturian, adjective

Other Words From

• Arc·turi·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Arcturus¹

1352–75; < Latin < Greek Arktoûros, equivalent to árkt ( os ) bear + -oûros keeper; replacing Middle English arture < Middle French

Word History and Origins

Origin of Arcturus¹

C14: from Latin, from Greek Arktouros, from arktos bear + ouros guard, keeper

Example Sentences

Let’s get back to my summertime favorites of Vega, Arcturus and Antares.

From Scientific American

Meanwhile, Arcturus has jumped to around 12.5 percent of cases, a rise from just 1 percent at the end of March.

From Salon

Everywhere it goes, Arcturus has generated reports of red, irritated eyes, especially in children.

From Scientific American

The California Department of Public Health estimates Arcturus comprises about 7% of coronavirus cases for the same week.

From Los Angeles Times

Here’s what you need to know about Arcturus.

From Washington Post