Delphinus
/dɛlˈfaɪ.nəs/noun
A small northern constellation representing a dolphin.
Did you know?Delphinus is a Greek constellation name that entered Latin astronomy, and its root is tied to the Greek word for “dolphin,” the same animal that appears in myths as a sacred guide and rescuer.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷelbh-
“Likely an ancient root meaning “womb” or “belly,” proposed for the Greek dolphin word by some scholars, though the exact pre-Greek origin is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δελφίς (delphís)
“Dolphin.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Δελφῖνος (Delphînos)
“The Dolphin; the name of the constellation.”
Latin
Latin
Delphinus
“The Dolphin; a constellation name borrowed from Greek.”
Modern English
English
Delphinus
“A constellation in the northern sky.”