1. "Con-" This prefix comes from Latin and means "together" or "with."
2. "Stell-" This root also comes from Latin and means "star."
Therefore, "constellation" literally means "stars together" or "a group of stars." This definition accurately describes the astronomical phenomenon where a group of stars appear close together in the sky, forming a recognizable pattern.
The word has also been extended to describe other groups of things that appear to be connected, such as:
* A constellation of talents: A group of diverse skills or abilities.
* A constellation of stars: Famous or successful people in a particular field.
* A constellation of events: A series of connected or related events.
These uses highlight the figurative meaning of "constellation" as a collection of related things that create a whole.