Capricorn

Capricorn
/kap"ri kawrn'/, n.
1. Astron. the Goat, a zodiacal constellation between Sagittarius and Aquarius.
2. Astrol.
a. the tenth sign of the zodiac: the cardinal earth sign. See illus. under zodiac.
b. a person born under this sign, usually between December 22nd and January 19th.
3. tropic of. See under tropic (def. 1a).
Also, Capricornus (for defs. 1, 2).
[1350-1400; ME Capricorne < L Capricornus (trans. of Gk aigókeros goat-horned), equiv. to capri- CAPRI- + corn(u) HORN + -us adj. suffix]

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(Latin: "Goat horn") In astronomy, the constellation lying between Aquarius and Sagittarius; in astrology, the tenth sign of the zodiac, governing approximately the period December 22–January 19.

It is represented as a goat with what appears to be a fishtail. One explanation for this odd depiction is that it derives from the Greek myth of Pan. To avoid the monster Typhon, Pan jumped into the water just as he was changing into animal shape. The half of his body above water became a goat, while the submerged half took the shape of a fish. Another relates the form to the Mesopotamian deity Enki (see Ea).

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Capricorn — Cap ri*corn, n. [L. capricornus; caper goat + cornu horn: cf. F. capricorne.] 1. (Astron.) The tenth sign of zodiac, into which the sun enters at the winter solstice, about December 21. See {Tropic}. [1913 Webster] The sun was entered into… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Capricorn — zodiac sign, late 14c., from L. Capricornus, lit. horned like a goat, from caper (gen. capri) goat + cornu horn; a loan translation of Gk. Aigokheros, the name of the constellation. Extended 1894 to persons born under the sign …   Etymology dictionary

  • Capricorn — ► NOUN Astrology ▪ the tenth sign of the zodiac (the Goat), which the sun enters at the northern winter solstice (about 21 December). DERIVATIVES Capricornian noun & adjective. ORIGIN Latin capricornus, from caper goat + cornu horn …   English terms dictionary

  • Capricorn — [kap′ri kôrn΄] n. [ME < OFr < L capricornus < caper, goat (see CAPRIOLE) + cornu, HORN] 1. Capricornus 2. the tenth sign of the zodiac, entered by the sun about Dec. 22: also called the Goat 3. a person born under this sign …   English World dictionary

  • Capricorn — [[t]kæ̱prɪkɔː(r)n[/t]] Capricorns 1) N UNCOUNT Capricorn is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a goat. People who are born approximately between the 22nd of December and the 19th of January come under this sign. 2) N COUNT A… …   English dictionary

  • Capricorn — UK [ˈkæprɪˌkɔː(r)n] / US [ˈkæprɪˌkɔrn] noun [countable/uncountable] Word forms Capricorn : singular Capricorn plural Capricorns one of the 12 signs of the zodiac, represented by a goat. A Capricorn is someone born between 22 December and 19… …   English dictionary

  • Capricorn — /ˈkæprəkɔn / (say kapruhkawn) noun 1. Also, Capricornus. the tenth sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters about 22 December; the Goat. 2. Astronomy → Capricornus. 3. Also, Capricornian. a person born under the sign of Capricorn and (according… …  

  • Capricorn — noun Etymology: Middle English Capricorne, from Latin Capricornus (genitive Capricorni), from caper goat + cornu horn more at horn Date: 14th century 1. a southern zodiacal constellation between Sagittarius and Aqua …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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