Definition of Ursa Major in English:
Ursa Major
proper nounˌəːsə ˈmeɪdʒəˌərsə ˈmeɪdʒər
Astronomy 1One of the largest and most prominent northern constellations (the Great Bear). The seven brightest stars form a familiar formation variously called the Plough, Big Dipper, or Charles's Wain, and include the Pointers.
- 1.1as genitive Ursae Majoris /ˌəːsiː maˈdʒɔrɪs/ Used with preceding letter or numeral to designate a star in the constellation Ursa Major.
the star Delta Ursae Majoris
Origin
Latin, from the story in Greek mythology that the nymph Callisto was turned into a bear and placed as a constellation in the heavens by Zeus.
Definition of Ursa Major in US English:
Ursa Major
proper nounˌərsə ˈmājərˌərsə ˈmeɪdʒər
Astronomy 1One of the largest and most prominent northern constellations (the Great Bear). The seven brightest stars form a familiar asterism known by various names (especially the Big Dipper and the Plow) and include the Pointers.
- 1.1as genitive Ursae Majoris /ˈərsē məˈjôris/ Used with preceding letter or numeral to designate a star in the constellation Ursa Major.
the star Delta Ursae Majoris
Origin
Latin, from the story in Greek mythology that the nymph Callisto was turned into a bear and placed as a constellation in the heavens by Zeus.