Agena

/əˈdʒɛnə/ noun

Definition

the brightest star in the constellation Centaurus, also known as Beta Centauri.

Etymology

From Arabic 'al-jaina' or similar Semitic roots. Star names were heavily borrowed from Arabic astronomy during the medieval period when Arab scholars dominated celestial science.

Kelly Says

Agena is actually the second-brightest star in Centaurus, but it held special significance to ancient navigators because it marked the position of the Southern Cross—one of humanity's oldest celestial signposts for finding south.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.