mira: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/C2)Technical (Astronomy), Formal/Literary, Proper Noun
Quick answer
What does “mira” mean?
A noun referring to a type of variable star or, in a secondary sense, something extraordinary to look at.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A noun referring to a type of variable star or, in a secondary sense, something extraordinary to look at; from Spanish for 'look' or 'sight'.
Primarily an astronomical term for a long-period pulsating variable star, such as Omicron Ceti. Colloquially, it can be used to refer to a remarkable sight or spectacle, drawing from its Spanish origin. Also used as a given name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in astronomical usage. The poetic/literary use is equally rare in both varieties. As a proper noun (name), frequency may vary by cultural influence.
Connotations
In technical contexts, neutral. As a literary term, evokes a sense of wonder. As a name, often perceived as exotic, beautiful, or of Latin origin.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency as a common noun in general corpora. Slightly higher frequency as a proper noun.
Grammar
How to Use “mira” in a Sentence
The [Mira] (star) [verb: pulsates, varies, shines]It was a [mira] (spectacle) to behold.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mira” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mira-type variability was recorded.
American English
- They studied Mira-like stars in the cluster.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in astronomy and astrophysics papers to refer to the specific class of variable stars.
Everyday
Almost exclusively as a person's name. The astronomical term is unknown to most general speakers.
Technical
Core term in stellar astronomy for a class of pulsating red giant stars.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mira”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mira”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mira”
- Using 'mira' as a general word for 'look' or 'view' in English (it is Spanish).
- Misspelling as 'meera' or 'myra'.
- Confusing the astronomical term with other variable stars like Novae.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but primarily as a technical term in astronomy and as a borrowed proper noun (name). It is not a native English common noun.
No, that is Spanish. In English, using 'mira' to mean 'look' would not be understood unless you are speaking to a Spanish speaker or using it as a deliberate code-switch.
Primarily a proper noun (name) or a countable common noun when used in astronomy (e.g., 'a mira'). It can also function attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'Mira variable').
In English, it is typically pronounced MY-ruh, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'i' is a long 'i' as in 'mine'.
A noun referring to a type of variable star or, in a secondary sense, something extraordinary to look at.
Mira is usually technical (astronomy), formal/literary, proper noun in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A veritable mira”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mira the star varies (Mira varies) – linking the name to its primary astronomical meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
WONDER IS A SPECTACULAR SIGHT (using the Spanish-derived sense).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common usage of the word 'mira' in everyday English?