Sirius
/ˈsɪr.i.əs/noun
The brightest star in the night sky, part of the constellation Canis Major.
Did you know?Sirius was linked to the goddess Isis in ancient Egypt, marking the start of the annual flooding of the Nile, a time of rebirth and fertility.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sē-
“to rise, to set (as in stars)”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Σείριος (Seirios)
“Glowing, burning (referring to the star's brightness)”
Latin
Latin
Sirius
“The Dog Star, associated with heat and drought”
Middle English
Middle English
Sirius
“The name of the star, adopted from Latin”
Modern English
English
Sirius
“The brightest star in the night sky, symbolizing various cultural beliefs.”