regulus
/ˈrɛɡjələs/
noun
- A bright star in the constellation Leo, one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
- From Earth, Regulus appears as a single star, but it is actually a system of four stars.
- Regulus is easy to spot in the spring sky because it shines so brightly.
- Astronomers study Regulus to learn more about how stars evolve.
- A small king or ruler, especially in historical contexts; also used in the names of some animals (e.g., the goldcrest, Regulus regulus).
- The goldcrest, whose scientific name is Regulus regulus, is a tiny bird with a bright yellow crown.
- In ancient texts, a regulus was often a local chieftain who paid tribute to a larger empire.
- The term 'regulus' was used by alchemists to describe a metallic form of antimony.