CENTAUR, in Astronomy, a part or moiety of a southern constellation, in form half man half horse; usually joined with the wolf. The word comes from κένταυρος, formed of κέντα, pungo; and υρος, bull; q. d. bull-pricker. The stars of this constellation, in Ptolemy's Catalogue, are 37; in Tycho's 4; and in the Britannic Catalogue, with Sharp's Appendix, 35.