galaxy

/'gæləksi/

Thân thiện

A spiral galaxy spins in the vast darkness of space.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Astronomy) A vast system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravity: A galaxy is one of billions of such systems in the universe, each containing millions to trillions of stars.
   • Any splendid or brilliant assembly, especially of distinguished people or things: Used figuratively to describe a group of notable individuals or a collection of brilliant objects.

Examples of Usage

• Astronomical Meaning:
  • Our solar system is located in the Milky Way galaxy.
  • The Andromeda Galaxy is the nearest major galaxy to our own.
• Figurative Meaning:
  • The ceremony was attended by a galaxy of Hollywood stars.
  • The exhibition features a galaxy of precious jewels.

Advanced Usage

• "A galaxy of...": Used to emphasize an impressive collection.
  • The book contains a galaxy of ideas from the world's greatest thinkers.
• "Galaxy cluster": A structure consisting of hundreds to thousands of galaxies bound by gravity. (Note: This is a related compound term).
  • Scientists study galaxy clusters to understand the large-scale structure of the universe.

Variants and Related Words

• Galactic (adj): Of or relating to a galaxy.
  • The galactic center is a region of intense radio emission.
• Extragalactic (adj): Located or originating outside our own galaxy.
  • Extragalactic astronomy studies objects beyond the Milky Way.

Synonyms

• Star system (for the astronomical sense).
• Constellation (can be used figuratively for a group of famous people, though technically a constellation is a pattern of stars our galaxy).
• Array, assemblage (for the figurative sense).

Related Phrases

• "Island universe": An older, poetic term for a galaxy.
• "Spiral galaxy" / "Elliptical galaxy" / "Irregular galaxy": Classifications based on a galaxy's visual morphology. (Note: These are related compound terms).

Học thuật

Noun

1. (astronomy) a collection of star systems; any of the billions of systems each having many stars and nebulae and dust
   • `extragalactic nebula' is a former name for `galaxy'
2. tufted evergreen perennial herb having spikes of tiny white flowers and glossy green round to heart-shaped leaves that become coppery to maroon or purplish in fall
3. a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• extragalactic nebula
• galax
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• Galax urceolata