Is 'Apus' a common English word?

No, it is a very low-frequency word used only in specific scientific fields.

How do you pronounce 'Apus'?

It is pronounced /ˈeɪpəs/ (AY-pus), with the stress on the first syllable, in both British and American English.

Can I use 'Apus' to mean 'swift' (the bird) in everyday speech?

No. 'Apus' is the genus name. In everyday speech, you should use the common name 'swift'.

What does the name 'Apus' mean?

It comes from Latin and means 'footless'. Early naturalists thought swifts (birds of the genus Apus) had no feet.

Is “apus” formal?

Apus is usually scientific/technical, formal in register.

apus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

very low

UK/ˈeɪpəs/US/ˈeɪpəs/

scientific/technical, formal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “apus” mean?

A constellation in the southern hemisphere, also a genus of birds including swifts.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A constellation in the southern hemisphere, also a genus of birds including swifts.

The word is used almost exclusively in two contexts: astronomy (as the constellation name) and ornithology (as a genus name). It is a Latin loanword meaning 'footless', originally used by ancient naturalists due to the mistaken belief that swifts had no feet.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in scientific contexts in both varieties.

Connotations

No connotations. It is a purely technical term.

Frequency

Equally rare in both varieties. The constellation is only visible from the southern hemisphere.

Grammar

How to Use “apus” in a Sentence

[Apus] + [verb: is, lies, contains] + ...

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

constellation Apusgenus Apus

medium

Apus apusApus constellation

weak

star in Apusspecies of Apus

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in academic texts on astronomy and zoology.

Everyday

Virtually never used in everyday conversation.

Technical

Standard term in astronomical charts and ornithological classifications.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “apus”

Strong

Bird of Paradise (historical name for constellation)

Neutral

constellation (in astronomy)genus (in ornithology)

Weak

swift (bird)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “apus”

Mispronouncing as /əˈpuːs/ or /æpəs/. Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'an apus').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a very low-frequency word used only in specific scientific fields.
: It is pronounced /ˈeɪpəs/ (AY-pus), with the stress on the first syllable, in both British and American English.
: No. 'Apus' is the genus name. In everyday speech, you should use the common name 'swift'.
: It comes from Latin and means 'footless'. Early naturalists thought swifts (birds of the genus Apus) had no feet.
: A constellation in the southern hemisphere, also a genus of birds including swifts.
: Apus is usually scientific/technical, formal in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Apus sounds like 'a plus'. Think: 'A plus star' (A+) for a constellation grade.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The astronomical chart clearly indicated the position of the constellation .

Multiple Choice

What is the primary context for using the word 'Apus'?