Circinus

American  

[sur-suh-nuhs] / ˈsɜr sə nəs /

noun

Astronomy.

genitive

Circini

1. the Compasses, a small southern constellation between Triangulum and Centaurus.

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Circinus British  

/ ˈsɜːsɪnəs /

noun

1. a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Centaurus and the Southern Cross

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Etymology

Origin of Circinus

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1830–40

Example Sentences

Located about 10,000 light-years away, this so-called "cosmic bat" appears to be gliding between the southern constellations of Circinus and Norma.

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2025

It took place at a location more than 8000 light-years away from our Earth in the direction of Alpha Centauri, between the constellations of Circinus and Centaurus.

From Space Scoop • Mar. 21, 2023

In February 2017, Broidy wrote to the Angolan defense minister discussing plans for a visit to Mar-a-Lago while also seeking payments from the nation’s government to his defense firm, Circinus.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 10, 2020

Started after the 2001 terrorist attacks, Circinus says it provides cybersecurity, “force protection and operational training,” and open source intelligence services to governments.

From New York Times • Aug. 13, 2019

Other stars called V861 Scorpii, GX339-4, SS433, and Circinus X-2 are also candidate black holes.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan