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constellate

verb
con·​stel·​late | \ ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌlāt How to pronounce constellate (audio) \
constellated; constellating

Definition of constellate

transitive verb

1 : to unite in a cluster
2 : to set or adorn with or as if with constellations

intransitive verb

: cluster
Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about constellate

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Did You Know?

It's plain that constellate is related to constellation, and, indeed, things that "constellate" (or "are constellated") cluster together like stars in a constellation. Both words derive ultimately from the Latin word for "star," which is stella. Constellation (which came to us by way of Middle French from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio) entered the language first-it dates to at least the 14th century. Constellate didn't appear until a full 300 years later.

Examples of constellate in a Sentence

the museum has constellated many of the artist's most glorious paintings into one stunning exhibition

Recent Examples on the Web

 Kathleen Shafer tells Judd’s story, and constellating stories about art, history, landscape, weather, the mysterious Marfa lights, economics, sociology and, of course, real estate. — Willard Spiegelman, WSJ, "Review: Magical ‘Marfa,’ the Mecca for Art Lovers," 15 Dec. 2017

First Known Use of constellate

1643, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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