in Astronomy, a denomination given by the Greeks to ursa minor, the little bear, by which sailors steer their course. The word is formed of xυσσωμα, the dog's tail. This is the constellation next our pole, and consists of seven stars; of which four are disposed like the four wheels of a chariot; and three lengthwise representing the beam; whence some give it the name of a chariot, or Charles's wain.

Mythology, a nymph of Ida, in Crete. She nursed Jupiter, who changed her into a star bearing the same name, and which is the same as the ursa minor.

CYNTHIUS and CYNTHIA, in Mythology, surnames of Apollo and Diana, derived from Cynthia, the name of a mountain in the middle of the island of Delos.