coalsack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Astronomy/Niche Historical)Technical (Astronomy) / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “coalsack” mean?
A dark nebula or interstellar dust cloud appearing as a void against a starry background, especially the prominent one near the Southern Cross.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dark nebula or interstellar dust cloud appearing as a void against a starry background, especially the prominent one near the Southern Cross.
In historical/naval contexts: A large sack for carrying coal, symbolizing something burdensome or inky black.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and equally rare in both varieties. The term is domain-specific to astronomy.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in astronomy; archaic and literal in historical contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly higher recognition in regions/cultures with visibility of the southern night sky (e.g., Australia, South Africa).
Grammar
How to Use “coalsack” in a Sentence
The [Coalsack] is visible...Observe the [Coalsack] near......appears like a [coalsack].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in astronomy texts and lectures regarding the southern hemisphere sky.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by amateur astronomers or in regions where it's visible.
Technical
Standard term in astronomy for a specific dark nebula (Crux).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coalsack”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coalsack”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coalsack”
- Misspelling as 'Coalsack' vs. 'Coalsack'.
- Using it as a common noun ('a coalsack') instead of the proper astronomical name ('the Coalsack').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Coalsack is a southern celestial object and is not visible from most northern latitudes.
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term primarily used in astronomy.
Yes, but it is archaic. It historically referred to a large bag for carrying coal.
They are entirely different. The Coalsack is a cloud of cold gas and dust blocking light. A black hole is an immensely dense object with gravity so strong that not even light can escape.
A dark nebula or interstellar dust cloud appearing as a void against a starry background, especially the prominent one near the Southern Cross.
Coalsack is usually technical (astronomy) / archaic in register.
Coalsack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊlsæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊlsæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Historical/literary: 'black as a coalsack'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of emptying a sack of coal onto the night sky, creating a black patch.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SACK (container) for holding DARKNESS/ABSENCE (coal/void).
Practice
Quiz
What is the Coalsack?