Pleiads

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A prominent open cluster of stars located in the Taurus constellation that features seven notable celestial bodies visible to observers on Earth
2. A well-known astronomical formation containing multiple stars that are easily identifiable within the Taurus constellation and hold cultural significance
3. A well-known group of stars forming an open cluster in the Taurus constellation visible from Earth ; a collection of distinguished individuals or items known for their excellence or prominence

Etymology: "Pleiads" is the plural of "pleiad", a singular noun for a single member of a star cluster, and the plural is the form people use most. The singular was formed from the name of the Pleiades, the seven sisters of Greek mythology who were said to have been placed among the stars. Those seven sisters were the daughters of the Titan Atlas and the nymph Pleione, and the cluster that bears their name is one of the most visible groups in the night sky. The name "Pleiades" itself comes from ancient Greek mythology, and the plural "pleiads" was built from it in English, so the word is a fairly direct product of the myth rather than a term that passed through many languages. The singular "pleiad" is probably an English back-formation, meaning it was created by stripping the final "-es" from the plural "Pleiades" and treating the remainder as a new singular.

Synonyms: clusters, groups