Capricornus

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

  1. A constellation in the southern sky representing a goat, traditionally associated with the astrological sign Capricorn which spans from December 22 to January 19
  2. An astrological sign represented by a goat or sea-goat, believed to influence those born under its period with traits of ambition and practicality
  3. A celestial formation symbolizing a sea-goat, often linked to the concept of time and responsibility in astrology and mythology

Etymology: The name Capricornus originates from Latin, where it means "horned goat" or "goat horn." It combines "caper," meaning "goat," with "cornu," meaning "horn." This compound reflects the creature depicted in the constellation Capricornus, traditionally represented as a sea-goat—a mythical hybrid with the front half of a goat and the tail of a fish. This term's roots trace back to classical antiquity, when Greek and Roman astronomers named constellations based on mythological figures and animals. Capricornus is one of the twelve zodiac constellations and was cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE. The Latin name preserved the image of the goat-horned figure, which was associated with the god Pan in mythology and later adapted into astrological traditions. In astrology, Capricornus denotes the tenth sign of the zodiac, corresponding to the time of year when the sun passes through this constellation, roughly from late December to late January. The name’s literal meaning ties directly to the symbolic character ascribed to this sign — resilience, ambition, and a grounded nature, metaphorically linked to the sure-footedness of a goat climbing rocky terrain. Though the constellation’s depiction has varied, the compound Latin name remained stable through medieval and Renaissance star charts, reinforcing the link between natural imagery and celestial symbolism. Its passage into English and other European languages came through scholarly and astrological texts from the Middle Ages onward, retaining the classical form as a proper noun for the constellation and zodiac sign.

Synonyms: Capricorn, sea-goat