What is "canicular"

Canicular \Ca*nic"u*lar\, a. [L. canicularis; cf. F. caniculaire.] Pertaining to, or measured, by the rising of the Dog Star.

Canicular days, the dog days, See Dog days.

Canicular year, the Egyptian year, computed from one heliacal rising of the Dog Star to another.

late 14c., in reference to the "dog days," from Latin canicularis "pertaining to the dog days," from canicula "little dog," also "the Dog Star," diminutive of canis (see canine). Also see heliacal; Sirius. In literal use ("pertaining to a dog") historically only as attempt at humor.

a. 1 Of or pertaining to the dog days 2 Of or pertaining to the ancient Egyptian cycle of 1460 years, or the year from one rising of Sirius to the next

1. adj. of or relating to the dog days of summer; "the canicular heat of the Deep South"

2. relating to or especially immediately preceding or following the heliacal rising of Canicula (the Dog Star); "canicular days"