How Do You Spell SIRIUS?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪɹɪəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Sirius" is often confused due to its unusual pronunciation. The correct pronunciation is /ˈsɪrɪəs/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The word is spelled with two i's and no u, which can be a source of confusion for non-native English speakers. The word refers to the brightest star in the sky and is derived from the Greek word for "glowing" or "scorching." Despite its tricky spelling, Sirius remains a popular subject in astronomy and mythology.

SIRIUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Sirius is a proper noun that primarily refers to the brightest star in the night sky and the second closest known individual star system to Earth. It is a part of the constellation Canis Major and is located at a distance of about 8.6 light-years from our solar system. In terms of magnitude, Sirius is approximately twice as bright as any other star visible from Earth and has a distinctive bluish-white color. The name "Sirius" is derived from the Ancient Greek words "seirios" or "seirios astēr," meaning "glowing" or "scorching."

    Besides its astronomical significance, the term "Sirius" has also been used to represent various other entities. For instance, in popular culture, Sirius has been associated with the dog companion of the mythological Greek hunter Orion. Additionally, "Sirius" is often employed as a given name for people, various products, and companies, incorporating its association with brightness and distinction.

    Moreover, "Sirius" has gained recognition in the context of radio technology as the name of a satellite radio service founded in 2002. Offering a wide range of commercial-free music, news, sports, and entertainment channels, Sirius Radio has become a popular subscription-based platform for broadcasting diverse content to subscribers across North America.

  2. The dog-star, so called because its heliacal rising followed close upon the summer solstice, the season of the greatest heats in the Mediterranean latitudes, during which dogs were liable to madness.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SIRIUS *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SIRIUS

Etymology of SIRIUS

The word "Sirius" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "Seirios" (Σείριος), meaning "glowing" or "scorcher". The Greeks named this star after its radiance and its close association with the summer season, where its rising coincided with the hottest days of the year. The name "Sirius" has been adopted in various languages to refer to the brightest star in the night sky.

Similar spelling words for SIRIUS

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