Aries

views updated Jun 08 2018

Ar·ies / ˈe(ə)rēz/ 1. Astron. a small constellation (the Ram), said to represent the ram whose Golden Fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts. ∎  [as genitive] (A·ri·e·tis / əˈrī-itis/ ) used with a preceding letter or numeral to designate stars: the star Beta Arietis.2. Astrol. the first sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters at the vernal equinox (about March 20). ∎  (an Aries) (pl. same) a person born when the sun is in this sign.PHRASES: First Point of Aries Astron. the point on the celestial sphere where the path of the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north in March, marking the zero point of right ascension. Owing to precession of the equinoxes, it has moved from Aries into Pisces, and is now approaching Aquarius. Also called vernal equinox.

Aries

views updated Jun 11 2018

Aries a small constellation (the Ram), said to represent the ram whose Golden Fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts; in astrology, the first sign of the zodiac, which the sun enters at the vernal equinox (about 20 March).

Aries

views updated May 17 2018

Aries (Ram) First constellation of the zodiac. In mythology, it represents the lamb with the golden fleece.