ˌkänztəˈlāshən, -än(t)st- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English constellacioun, from Middle French constellation, from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio, from constellatus + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the configuration of stars especially at one's birth that in astrology determines one's fate or status in life
to be born under the constellation that makes a man rich
— compare horoscope
b. obsolete : character or constitution as determined by or as if by the stars
a person of whatever profession or constellation
2. : any one of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations and numbering 48 according to the 2d century A.D. catalogue of Ptolemy, each named after a mythological personage, animal, or inanimate object, the remaining 40 having been added later to fill in areas of the sky left vacant by the ancients (as in the region around the south celestial pole invisible to the Mediterranean world)
3. : an assemblage, collection, or gathering especially of a splendid, radiant, or excellent sort
a constellation of atomic scientists
the carpet was scattered with a constellation of gardenias — P.L.Fermor
4.
a. : pattern , arrangement
the state's interpretation of welfare is set in the constellation of security, order, justice, and freedom — Asher Achinstein
b. : a determining, differentiating, or individualizing pattern or grouping
the unique and flavorful constellation of qualities, the emphases and shadings of the universal human that make a Frenchman — Robert Redfield
c.
(1) : a group of consciously related especially emotionally significant ideas
(2) : an assemblage or configuration of stimulus conditions or factors affecting behavior and personality development
the way in which family constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boy — S.B.Sarason
(3) : an assemblage or configuration of behavioral or personality traits or characteristics