corona australis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “corona australis” mean?
A small, faint constellation in the Southern Hemisphere, whose name means 'Southern Crown' in Latin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, faint constellation in the Southern Hemisphere, whose name means 'Southern Crown' in Latin.
In astronomy, a specific constellation located near Sagittarius and Scorpius, often depicted as a wreath or crown. It is one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The constellation's official Latin name is used internationally in astronomy.
Connotations
None beyond its technical, astronomical meaning.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both varieties. Usage is confined to specific technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “corona australis” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] is located...The constellation [Proper Noun]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in astronomy, astrophysics, and history of science texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary context. Used in star charts, astronomical software, research papers, and by amateur astronomers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corona australis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corona australis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corona australis”
- Misspelling as 'Corona Australia'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a corona australis'). It is always capitalized.
- Confusing it with the more famous Corona Borealis.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not related. 'Corona' here is Latin for 'crown', referring to the shape of the constellation. The astronomical term is centuries old.
No, it is a southern hemisphere constellation. Observers north of the equator generally cannot see it, as it never rises above their southern horizon.
Its brightest star is Alpha Coronae Australis, also named Alfecca Meridiana, with an apparent magnitude of about 4.1.
Its main stars form a semi-circular, arc-like pattern which ancient astronomers, including Ptolemy, interpreted as resembling a wreath or crown.
A small, faint constellation in the Southern Hemisphere, whose name means 'Southern Crown' in Latin.
Corona australis is usually technical/scientific in register.
Corona australis: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌrəʊ.nə ɒˈstreɪ.lɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌroʊ.nə ɔːˈstreɪ.lɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Australia' for 'Australis' to remember it's the Southern Crown, as opposed to Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CROWN IN THE SKY (constellations as symbolic patterns representing objects or figures).
Practice
Quiz
What is Corona Australis?