celestial Hear it!

celestial Definition

ce·les·tial (sə les′c̸həl)

adjective

  1. of or in the sky or universe, as planets or stars
    1. of heaven; divine celestial beings
    2. highest; perfect celestial bliss
  3. of the former Chinese Empire

Etymology: ME & OFr < L caelestis < caelum, heaven: for IE base see chintz

noun

any being regarded as living in heaven

celestial Related Forms
ce·les′·tially adverb
celestial Synonyms

celestial

modif.

heavenly, divine, ethereal, astral; see angelic, astronomical 1, divine 1.

celestial Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • even: We know to what storms of passion even celestial minds can yield.
  • almost: Where the sounds are stratospheric and almost celestial, then the intimate introspective fragility roots them earthbound.

Modifies a noun

  • equator: The altitude of the celestial equator at a meridian is a function of the latitude of the observer.
  • sphere: Here, in the celestial sphere he's not well thought of I must warn you.
  • mechanic: Celestial mechanics will limit the crew's options for how long to stay on Mars.
  • globe: There is also a celestial globe in the background.
  • longitude: Celestial longitude is reckoned eastwards from the vernal equinox, which is also known as the first point of Aries ' .
  • pole: I all is OK the sundial's noon line should point to the celestial pole.

Used with adjective complement

  • go: Unfortunately, it fails to go celestial for no obvious reason.
  • contain: A few CDS catalogs do not contain celestial coordinates; spectral line wavelength lists are the obvious example.
  • include: World of Boxes - Offers handcrafted wooden boxes, including celestial, romantic, wildlife, tarot and playing card boxes.
  • use: Dual metal setting circle dials allow quick location of target using celestial coordinates.
celestial Quotes

She even thinks that up in heaven Her class lies late and snores, While poor black cherubs rise at seven To do celestial chores.

—Cullen, Countee

Happy those early days when I Shined in my Angel-infancy. Before I understood this place Appointed for my second race, Or taught my soul to fancy aught But a white, celestial thought; When yet I had not walked above A mile or two from my first love, And looking back (at that short space) Could see a glimpse of His bright face. When on some gilded cloud or flower My gazing soul would dwell an hour And in those weaker glories spy Some shadows of eternity.

—Vaughan, Henry