Word of the day: Canicular

Canicular is derived from the Latin word canicula, or small dog (perhaps that reminds you of the English word canine).

Canicula was also known as Sirius, the star representing the hound of the hunter Orion, a figure in Roman mythology and a well-known constellation.

Because the bright rising of Sirius occurs during the summer months, the hot days of early July through early September came to be known as dies caniculares, or, "the dog days."

Belief and Beyond thanks the Page A Day Calendar for today's word history.