Is Ophiuchus a new zodiac sign?

No. It is a constellation that lies along the ecliptic. The traditional tropical zodiac uses 12 signs and does not include it, though it is sometimes discussed in media as a '13th sign'.

How do you pronounce Ophiuchus?

Common pronunciations are /ˌɒfɪˈjuːkəs/ (UK) and /ˌɑːfiˈjuːkəs/ (US), with stress on the 'ju' syllable.

What does the name 'Ophiuchus' mean?

It comes from Greek 'Ophioukhos', meaning 'Serpent-bearer' or 'Snake-holder'.

When can I see the Ophiuchus constellation?

It is best seen in the Northern Hemisphere during July. It is located near the constellations Scorpius and Hercules.

ophiuchus

Rare

UK/ˌɒfɪˈjuːkəs/US/ˌɑːfiˈjuːkəs/

Technical / Formal

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A large constellation located around the celestial equator, depicted as a man grasping a serpent.

Used metonymically to refer to the 13th sign of the zodiac in sidereal astrology or in discussions of zodiacal reform.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily a proper noun (name of a constellation). In extended astrological contexts, it functions as a common noun (a zodiac sign).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in usage or spelling.

Connotations

Identical connotations in astronomical contexts. In popular astrology, may carry connotations of controversy or pseudoscience.

Frequency

Equally rare in both varieties.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

the constellation Ophiuchusthe sign of OphiuchusOphiuchus the Serpent Bearer

medium

in Ophiuchuslocated in Ophiuchusstars of Ophiuchus

weak

see Ophiuchuscalled Ophiuchuslike Ophiuchus

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Proper Noun]the constellation [Ophiuchus]the sign [Ophiuchus]

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Neutral

the Serpent Bearer

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in astronomy and history of science contexts.

Everyday

Virtually unused; may appear in popular articles about astrology or astronomy.

Technical

Standard term in astronomy for the constellation.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

Ophiuchan stars are faint.
An Ophiuchan meteor shower.

American English

Ophiuchan stars are dim.
An Ophiuchan meteor shower.

Examples

By CEFR Level

Ophiuchus is a constellation.

You can sometimes see the constellation Ophiuchus in the summer sky.

Although not part of the traditional zodiac, Ophiuchus lies along the ecliptic.
The bright star Rasalhague is the head of Ophiuchus.

Proponents of the 13-sign zodiac argue that Ophiuchus should be included, fundamentally altering astrological charts.
The discovery of a new exoplanet within the Ophiuchus constellation excited the astronomical community.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'Oh, feel U cuss' — a frustrated astronomer trying to point out the obscure constellation.

Conceptual Metaphor

KNOWLEDGE IS LIGHT / THE HEAVENS ARE A STORYBOOK (constellations represent mythological figures).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not translate as 'офицер' (officer). The Russian astronomical term is 'Змееносец' (Zmeenosets).
Avoid confusing it with 'Ophidia' (the suborder of snakes).

Common Mistakes

Misspelling: 'Ophiucus', 'Ophichus'.
Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈɒfiəkəs/).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In sidereal astrology, some systems include as the thirteenth zodiac sign.

Multiple Choice

What is Ophiuchus primarily known as?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. It is a constellation that lies along the ecliptic. The traditional tropical zodiac uses 12 signs and does not include it, though it is sometimes discussed in media as a '13th sign'.
: Common pronunciations are /ˌɒfɪˈjuːkəs/ (UK) and /ˌɑːfiˈjuːkəs/ (US), with stress on the 'ju' syllable.
: It comes from Greek 'Ophioukhos', meaning 'Serpent-bearer' or 'Snake-holder'.
: It is best seen in the Northern Hemisphere during July. It is located near the constellations Scorpius and Hercules.