An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

The Ram. A constellation of the → Zodiac, representing a ram (R.A. = 2h 30m, Dec. = +13 deg). Its brightest star is → Hamal (α Arietis). Abbreviation: Ari; genitive form: Arietis.

L. aries "ram," perhaps akin to Gk. eriphos "a kid, a young goat," O.Ir. heirp "she-goat;" cf. Lith. erytis, O.C.S. jarici, Arm. oroj "lamb."

Barré "ram, sheep; Aries" from Mid.Pers. warrag "lamb, ram; Aries," compare with Av. varənâ- "wool," Skt. urana, urabhra "wool-beared = ram," from urna "wool," L. vervex "a wether, sheep".

One of the two points on the celestial sphere where the ecliptic and the celestial equator crossed one another at → vernal equinox several thousands years ago.

→ first; → point; → Aries.