Definition of the word big dipper

The Big Dipper, also known as Ursa Major, is an asterism or stellar pattern that appears in the northern sky. The word "Big Dipper" is an English phrase that originated in North America. In ancient times, different cultures around the world recognized the dipper-shaped constellation and gave it various names. The Inuit called it tsopu, meaning "the one that points the way", while the Native Americans referred to it as Grand Bear or Big Bear. In English-speaking regions, the name "Big Dipper" was coined due to the way the stars in the constellation appear to "dip" or "spill over" into the surrounding space. The term "big" in this context simply refers to the size and prominence of the constellation in the northern sky. The first recorded use of the term "Big Dipper" dates back to the 18th century in the United States, where it was often associated with pioneer life and the frontier spirit. Today, the name is widely recognized and commonly used around the world to refer to this celestial pattern.