— constellatory /keuhn stel"euh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee/ , adj.
/kon'steuh lay"sheuhn/ , n.
1. Astron.
a. any of various groups of stars to which definite names have been given, as Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Boötes, Cancer, Orion.
b. the section of the heavens occupied by such a group.
2. Astrol.
a. the grouping or relative position of the stars as supposed to influence events, esp. at a person's birth.
b. Obs. character as presumed to be determined by the stars.
3. a group or configuration of ideas, feelings, characteristics, objects, etc., that are related in some way: a constellation of qualities that made her particularly suited to the job.
4. any brilliant, outstanding group or assemblage: a constellation of great scientists.
[ 1275-1325; ME constellacioun ( constellation- (s. of constellatio ). See CONSTELLATE, -ION ]
Syn. 4. gathering, company, circle.