Virgo
/ˈvɜː.ɡəʊ/ · name
Meaning
- A surname.
- A large-scale gravitational wave detector located in Pisa, Italy.
- Someone with a Virgo star sign
- A constellation in the zodiac, traditionally figured in the shape of a maiden holding an ear of wheat (represented by the bright binary star Spica).
- The zodiac sign for the virgin, ruled by Mercury, that covers August 23 – September 23 (tropical astrology) or September 16 – October 15 (sidereal astrology).
Etymology / origin
From Latin virgō (“maiden, virgin; name of constellation”), calque of Ancient Greek παρθένος (parthénos, “virgin; name of constellation”), ultimately derived through mythic reinterpretation from ancient Mesopotamian constellations, as Akkadian absinnu (“seed furrow; name of constellation”) and Sumerian 𒀯𒀳 (ᵐᵘˡABSIN₃, “seed furrow; constellation representing fertility/harvest goddess Shala with ear of corn”). Doublet of virgin.
Sources
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