Definition of "constellation"

(astronomy) An arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure (especially one from mythology) or pattern, or a division of the sky including it, especially one officially recognized by astronomers; an asterism.  quotations

1. (modern astronomy) Any of the 88 regions of the sky officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union, including all stars and celestial bodies in the region.  examples

(figurative) A configuration or grouping of related things.  quotations

1. A wide, seemingly unlimited, assortment.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • These amorous Persons may be, I grant, very much delighted when they first gaze upon a Constellation of fair Ladies, but the Heart commonly pays dear for the Pleasure of the Eye, […]

     1665, Robert Boyle, “Occasional Reflections. Reflection VIII. Upon a Child that Cri’d for the Stars.”, in [John Weyland], editor, Occasional Reflections upon Several Subjects. With a Discourse about Such Kind of Thoughts, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Alex[ander] Ambrose Masson; and sold by John Henry Parker, […], published 1848, section V, page 326

   • Throughout the 1500s, the populace roiled over a constellation of grievances of which the forest emerged as a key focal point. The popular late Middle Ages fictional character Robin Hood, dressed in green to symbolize the forest, dodged fines for forest offenses and stole from the rich to give to the poor. But his appeal was painfully real and embodied the struggle over wood.

     2006 September, Edwin Black, “Power Struggle”, in Internal Combustion: How Corporations and Governments Addicted the World to Oil and Derailed the Alternatives, New York, N.Y.: St. Martin’s Press, page 17

2. (psychoanalysis) Synonym of complex (“a collection of ideas caused by repressed emotions that leads to an abnormal mental condition”)  examples

3. (sexuality) A network of connections between people who are in polyamorous relationships, for example between a person, their partner, and that person's partner.

4. (space science) A fleet of satellites used for the same purpose.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • With its Starlink program, SpaceX hopes to launch a constellation of as many as 42,000 satellites to provide Internet service to the world.

     2021 December 13, Molly Ball, Jeffrey Kluger, Alejandro de la Garza, “2021 Person of the Year: Elon Musk”, in Time‎, New York, N.Y.: Time Inc., archived from the original on 2023-08-14

(astrology, obsolete)

1. The configuration of planets at a given time (especially a person's birth), as believed to affect events on Earth, or used for determining a horoscope.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • But alas such peruerse constellation nowe reigneth ouer men, that where some be aptely and naturally disposed to amitie, and fyndeth one, in similitude of studie and maners, equall to his expectation, and therfore kendeleth a feruent loue towarde that persone, puttinge all his ioye and delite in the praise and auauncement of him that he loueth, it hapneth that he which is loued, beinge promoted in honour, either of purpose neglecteth his frende, therby suppressynge libertie of speche or familiar resorte; or els esteming his mynde with his fortune onely, and nat with the suertie of frendship, hideth from him the secretes of his harte, and either trusteth no man, or els him whome prosperous fortune hath late brought in acquaintaunce.

     1531, Thomas Elyot, “The Diuision of Ingratitude and the Dispraise therof”, in Ernest Rhys, editor, The Boke Named the Governour […] (Everyman’s Library), London: J[oseph] M[alaby] Dent & Co; New York, N.Y.: E[dward] P[ayson] Dutton & Co, published , 2nd book, pages 188–189

   • [H]e was born under the constellation that gives a man skill, riches, and integrity, whatever that constellation may be, which is of the less consequence because babies can't choose their own horoscopes, and, indeed, if they could, there might be an inconvenient rush of babies at particular epochs.

     1862 July – 1863 August, George Eliot [pseudonym; Mary Ann Evans], “First Impressions”, in Romola. […], volume I, London: Smith, Elder and Co., […], published 1863, book I, page 72

2. A person's character or inclinations, supposedly determined by their horoscope.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • I knovv thy conſtellation is right apt / For this affayre: […]

     c. 1601–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Twelfe Night, or What You Will”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene iv], page 257, column 2