sextans: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Specialist, Historical
Quick answer
What does “sextans” mean?
A small, faint constellation in the southern sky, also an ancient Roman coin valued at one-sixth of an as.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, faint constellation in the southern sky, also an ancient Roman coin valued at one-sixth of an as.
Primarily used as a proper noun in astronomy to refer to a specific constellation. In historical/numismatic contexts, it refers to a specific ancient Roman bronze coin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
None beyond the technical/historical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, encountered almost exclusively in specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sextans” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (Sextans) + [verb of location] (lies, is located)[Determiner] (a/the) + sextans + [numismatic term] (coin, piece)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sextans” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Sextans dwarf galaxy
American English
- Sextans dwarf spheroidal
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in astronomy and ancient history/archaeology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in astronomy for the constellation; used in numismatics for the specific coin.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sextans”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sextans”
- Incorrectly capitalizing in non-astronomical contexts (e.g., 'a Roman Sextans').
- Pronouncing it as /ˈsekstænz/ with a hard 'ks' sound instead of the common /ˈsɛkstənz/.
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding 'sextant'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialized term used almost exclusively in astronomy and ancient history.
It comes from Latin, meaning 'a sixth part'. It named a Roman coin (1/6 of an as) and later a constellation introduced in the 17th century, named for the sextant instrument.
As a proper noun (capitalized) for the constellation: 'We observed a variable star in Sextans.' As a common noun for the coin: 'The hoard contained several asses and a single sextans.'
Yes. A 'sextant' is a navigational instrument for measuring angles. 'Sextans' is the name of a constellation (inspired by the instrument) and an ancient coin.
A small, faint constellation in the southern sky, also an ancient Roman coin valued at one-sixth of an as.
Sextans is usually technical/specialist, historical in register.
Sextans: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkstənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkˌstænz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Sextans sounds like 'six' (sex-). It was a sixth of a coin, and the constellation contains the Sextant, a tool with a 60-degree (1/6th of a circle) arc.
Conceptual Metaphor
A small, measured part (one-sixth) -> a faint, measured area of the sky.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'sextans' most commonly used today?