- Enter a word for the dictionary definition. From The
Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48: Ursa
\Ur"sa\, n. [L. ursa a she-bear, also, a constellation, fem. of
ursus a bear. Cf. Arctic.] (Astron.) Either one of the Bears.
See the Phrases below. [1913 Webster] Ursa Major [L.], the Great
Bear, one of the most conspicuous of the northern
constellations. It is situated near the pole, and contains the
stars which form the Dipper, or Charles's Wain, two of which are
the Pointers, or stars which point towards the North Star. Ursa
Minor [L.], the Little Bear, the constellation nearest the north
pole. It contains the north star, or polestar, which is situated
in the extremity of the tail. [1913 Webster]