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

General Wald said he turned down Mr. Broidy’s invitation to join Circinus because he felt the company’s work was “mercenary,” and because of concerns about Mr. Broidy.

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