An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A grouping of conspicuous stars that, when seen from Earth, form an apparent pattern. The sky is divided into 88 constellations. → asterism.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. constellation, from L.L. constellationem (nom. constellatus) “set with stars,” from L. → com- “with” + p.p. of stellare “to shine,” from stella, → star.

Etymology (PE): Hamaxtarân, from ham- “with, together” + axtar→ star + -ân suffix denoting group.