SOUTHERN CROSS Meaning and
Definition
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Southern Cross refers to a prominent star pattern visible in the southern hemisphere, consisting of four bright stars forming a distinctive cross-like shape. The name "Southern Cross" is derived from the constellation Crux, which contains these four stars. It is one of the best-known and most easily distinguishable asterisms in the night sky.
The stars forming the Southern Cross are Alpha Crucis, Beta Crucis, Gamma Crucis, and Delta Crucis. Alpha Crucis, also known as Acrux, is the brightest star and marks the bottom of the cross shape. Beta Crucis, also referred to as Mimosa, is the second brightest and situated at the top. Gamma Crucis, named Gacrux, is brighter and placed at the left arm of the cross, while Delta Crucis, known as Decrux, is fainter and positioned at the right arm.
The Southern Cross holds significant cultural and navigational importance in various societies. It has been used for centuries as a point of reference, guiding travelers and sailors in the southern oceans, where its visibility is prominent. It features prominently in the flags and emblems of several countries in the southern hemisphere, most notably Australia and New Zealand. Due to its symbolism and distinctive appearance, the Southern Cross has also become a recognized symbol used to represent ideologies such as exploration, discovery, and national identity.
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A constellation of the southern hemisphere, having the appearance of the figure of a cross.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SOUTHERN CROSS
- aouthern cross
- zouthern cross
- xouthern cross
- douthern cross
- eouthern cross
- wouthern cross
- siuthern cross
- skuthern cross
- sluthern cross
- sputhern cross
- s0uthern cross
- s9uthern cross
- soythern cross
- sohthern cross
- sojthern cross
- soithern cross
- so8thern cross
- so7thern cross
- sourhern cross
Etymology of SOUTHERN CROSS
The term "Southern Cross" has its etymological roots in the English language and is derived from its literal meaning. The word "southern" refers to the direction or location in relation to the south, while "cross" refers to the shape formed by two intersecting lines, resembling the Christian cross. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross refers to a prominent constellation visible in the night sky, known for its distinctive cross-like shape. The etymology is primarily descriptive, based on the concept of a cross-shaped pattern seen in the south.
Similar spelling words for SOUTHERN CROSS
- southern lights,
- southern beech,
- southern flounder,
- southern aster,
- southern dewberry,
- southernwood,
- Southern Baptist,
- southern red oak,
- southern live oak,
- southern porgy,
- southern scup,
- southern triangle,
- southern magnolia,
- southern harebell,
- southernmost,
- Southern Rhodesia,
- southernness,
- southernism,
- southern tai,
- southern cypress.
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