Centaurian
/sɛnˈtɔː.ri.ən/noun
Relating to a centaur, the constellation Centaurus, or the astronomical objects known as centaurs.
Did you know?In modern astronomy, “Centaur” describes small Solar System bodies orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune—named after the mythic creatures because their orbits are unstable and hybrid-like.
Etymological Timeline
Late Antiquity
Greek
Κένταυρος (Kéntauros)
“A centaur; the origin of the Greek name is uncertain and remains disputed by scholars.”
Classical Latin
Latin
centaurus
“A centaur; also the name applied to the constellation Centaurus.”
Middle English
English
centaur
“A mythical creature represented as part human and part horse.”
Early Modern English
English
Centaurian
“Relating to a centaur or to the constellation Centaurus; formed from centaur with the adjective-forming suffix -ian.”
20th Century
English
centaur
“An astronomical term for a minor planet orbiting in the region between Jupiter and Neptune.”
Modern English
English
Centaurian
“Relating to centaurs, Centaurus, or astronomical centaurs.”
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