Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

altair

noun

/ˈæl.teɪr/

Definition

Altair is the twelfth brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the constellation of Aquila.

Examples

On clear nights, Altair can be easily spotted in the sky.
Many ancient civilizations saw Altair as a significant star in their mythology.
The annual Perseid meteor shower happens when Earth passes through the debris of comet Swift-Tuttle, and Altair is a guide for stargazers during the event.

Meaning

The name Altair comes from the Arabic phrase ‘al-nasr al-tair,’ which means ‘the flying eagle.’ It is often associated with the soaring eagle in cultural references.