polestar

Astron.: Polar is, a bright star at the tip of the tail of Ursa Minor, and in a line with the pointers Merak and Dubhe, the two stars constituting the front of the plow-like figure in Ursa Major. It is at present le than a degree and a half from the true pole, and by A. D. 2095, through the prece ion of the equinoxes, it will be under half a degree. [PRECESSION.] Even now the circle it describes is too small to be discernible by the ordinary eye. The pole-star is really a double star of yellow hue, but while the larger or visible one is between the second and third magnitude, its companion is only of the ninth, and therefore a telescopic star. There is no corresponding star in the southern hemisphere. The pole-star is a convenient one for observing to determine the latitude and also the azimuthal error of any transit-instrument. põle (5), s. [Etym. doubtful.] Ichthy.: Pleuronectes cynoglo us , a grayish brown flat fish, sixteen or seventeen inches long. It is a native of the Arctic regions. Called also the Craig-fluke.