Big Dipper

noun

Astronomy.

1. the group of seven bright stars in Ursa Major resembling a dipper in outline.

big dipper

¹

noun

1. (in amusement parks) a narrow railway with open carriages that run swiftly over a route of sharp curves and steep inclines Also calledroller coaster

Big Dipper

²

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for Plough

Big Dipper

1. An asterism composed of seven stars in the constellation Ursa Major. Four stars form the bowl and three form the handle in the outline of a dipper.

Big Dipper

1. A constellation in the northern sky. The two stars on the far end of the bowl of the dipper point toward the North Star . The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Big Dipper¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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