The word "sidereal" is spelled as /sɪˈdɪərɪəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "si" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the "d" sound in the second syllable. The third syllable "re" is pronounced with a sound similar to "ear," followed by the "al" sound in the last syllable. "Sidereal" refers to anything related to the stars or constellations. Despite its unusual spelling, the pronunciation of "sidereal" is straightforward once the phonetic transcription is understood.
Sidereal refers to or denotes something related to the stars or the constellations. Derived from the Latin word "sidereus," meaning "of the stars," the term primarily pertains to the measurement or understanding of time, motion, or positions in reference to the fixed stars in the celestial sphere.
In astronomy, sidereal time is the measurement of time in relation to the apparent motion of the stars caused by Earth's rotation. It is based on the Earth completing one rotation relative to the vernal equinox or the first point of Aries. Conversely, solar time is based on the Sun's apparent motion, and due to Earth's axial tilt and elliptical orbit, it does not remain constant throughout the year like sidereal time does.
Similarly, sidereal day refers to the time taken for a particular star to return to the same position in the sky, which is slightly shorter than a solar day due to the Earth's orbital motion around the Sun.
Moreover, sidereal astrology, as opposed to tropical astrology, is a zodiacal system that considers the true positions of the constellations, where the twelve zodiac signs are fixed based on the sidereal year and how the stars align relative to Earth's motion around the Sun.
In summary, "sidereal" refers to all aspects related to the stars, their positions, and their influence on various time measurements and astrological systems.
Relating to or containing stars; starry; measured by the apparent motions of the stars.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sidereal" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "sidereus", meaning "of a star". This, in turn, is derived from "sidus", meaning "a star, constellation, or heavenly body". The term "sidereal" is used to describe anything related to or determined by the stars.