Alphard

noun

Al·​phard ˈal-ˌfärd 

astronomy

: an orange star of the second magnitude that is the brightest star in the constellation Hydra

Hydra is actually the largest constellation. Despite its size, it has only one bright star named Alphard. It can be found over in the southwest sky all by itself—hence the name, which in Arabic means "the solitary one."

—Kevin D. Conod, The Star-Ledger (Newark, New Jersey), 17 May 2011

called also Alpha Hydrae

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!