Algedi

/ælˈɡɛdi/ noun

Definition

A proper noun; the traditional Arabic name for the star Alpha Capellae or a reference to that astronomical object.

Etymology

From Arabic al-jedi, related to Arabic words meaning 'the' combined with a root referring to the animal or constellation. Used in medieval and Islamic astronomy.

Kelly Says

When astronomers around the world named stars, many kept the Arabic names given by medieval Islamic scientists who first cataloged the night sky—'Algedi' is a linguistic monument to that scientific tradition!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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