Ursa Minor

[ ur-suh mahy-ner ]

noun

, Astronomy.

, genitive Ur·sae Mi·nor·is [ur, -see mi-, nawr, -is, -, nohr, -].

1. the Little or Lesser Bear, the northernmost constellation, containing the stars that form the Little Dipper, the outermost of which, at the end of the handle, is Polaris.

Ursa Minor

/ ˈɜːsə ˈmaɪnə /

noun

1. a small faint constellation, the brightest star of which is the Pole Star, lying 1° from the true celestial pole Also calledthe Little Bearthe BearUS and Canadianthe Little Dipper

Ursa Minor

1. A ladle-shaped constellation very near the north celestial pole. Ursa Minor (the Lesser Bear) contains the seven stars that form the Little Dipper. Polaris, the North Star, is at the end of the dipper's handle.

Ursa Minor

1. The Little Bear or Little Dipper; the constellation that contains the North Star ( Polaris ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ursa Minor¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ursa Minor¹

Latin: lesser bear

Example Sentences

The observer will note the uncomfortable position of Ursa Minor, attached to the pole by the end of its long tail.

From Project Gutenberg

Ursa Minor contains the pole-star, which is shown in the extremity of the tail of the bear.

From Project Gutenberg

But was this constellation the same which we now-a-days call Ursa Minor?

From Project Gutenberg

Ursa Minor, the Lesser Bear, an inconspicuous constellation, the pole-star forming the tip of the tail.

From Project Gutenberg

He also associates god C with the constellation of Ursa Minor.

From Project Gutenberg