sagitta

noun (1)
sa·​git·​ta | \ səˈjitə\

Definition of sagitta

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 plural -s : the distance from the midpoint of an arc to the midpoint of its chord
2 -s : the larger of the two large otoliths found in the ear of most fishes
3a Sagitta : a genus of planktonic marine animals (phylum Chaetognatha) including the largest arrow worms
b plural sagittas\ -​təz\ or sagittae\ -​tˌē\ : any arrowworm of the genus Sagitta

Sagitta

noun (2)
Sa·​git·​ta | \ sə-ˈji-tə How to pronounce Sagitta (audio) \

Definition of Sagitta (Entry 2 of 2)

astronomy
: a small northern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Aquila and Vulpecula and that is represented by the figure of an arrow Sagitta is an interesting constellation to see in the early evening. It's a small compact group in a beautiful field of double stars. In mythology, Sagitta represents an arrow shot by the hero Hercules. — Arnold Pearlstein, Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), 21 Aug. 1994

First Known Use of sagitta

Noun (2)

1675, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for sagitta

Noun (1)

New Latin, from Latin, arrow, probably of non-Indo-European origin

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