| ursa | <astronomy> Either one of the Bears. See the Phrases below. 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. Origin: L. Ursa a she-bear, also, a constellation, fem. Of ursus a bear. Cf. Arctic. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| ursal | <zoology> The ursine seal. See the Note under 1st Seal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ursine | Of or pertaining to a bear; resembling a bear. Ursine baboon. <zoology> See Sea bear, and the Note under 1st Seal. Origin: L. Ursinus, from ursus a bear. See Ursa. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ursodeoxycholic acid | <chemical> Epimer of chenodeoxycholic acid. It is a mammalian bile acid found first in the bear and is apparently either a precursor or a product of chenodeoxycholate. Its administration changes the composition of bile and may dissolve gallstones. It is used as a cholagogue and choleretic. Pharmacological action: cholagogues and choleretics, gastrointestinal agents. Chemical name: Cholan-24-oic acid, 3,7-dihydroxy-, (3alpha,5beta,7beta)- (12 Dec 1998) |
| urson | <zoology> The Canada porcupine. See Porcupine. Origin: Cf. Urchin. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ursuk | <zoology> The bearded seal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ursula | <zoology> A beautiful North American butterfly (Basilarchia, or Limenitis, astyanax). Its wings are nearly black with red and blue spots and blotches. Synonym: red-spotted purple. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ursuline | One of an order of nuns founded by St. Angela Merici, at Brescia, in Italy, about the year 1537, and so called from St. Ursula, under whose protection it was placed. The order was introduced into Canada as early as 1639, and into the United States in 1727. The members are devoted entirely to education. Origin: Cf. F. Ursuline. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| ursus | <zoology> A genus of Carnivora including the common bears. Origin: L, a bear. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |