Charles's Wain (Noun)
Meaning
A group of seven bright stars in the constellation Ursa Major.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are visible in the night sky, with Charles's Wain being the most prominent pattern.
- The asterism Charles's Wain is a useful navigational aid, as its two stars at the end of the "pan" point towards the North Star.
- Charles's Wain is a striking feature of the winter sky in the Northern Hemisphere, and its shape is unmistakable.
- In medieval Europe, Charles's Wain was an important part of folklore and navigation, as it was used to guide travelers and sailors.
- The pattern of stars known as Charles's Wain is actually part of the larger constellation Ursa Major, but it is often referred to as a separate entity.