Meaning & Definition of Nebula in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: An immense cloud of gas and dust in outer space, often the birthplace of stars.

  Example Sentence: The Orion Nebula is one of the brightest nebulae visible to the naked eye.

• Definition: A diffuse mass of interstellar matter that appears as a luminous or dark patch in the sky.

  Example Sentence: Astronomers study dark nebulae to learn about star formation.

• Definition: In historical astronomy, a term used for any fuzzy object in the sky, such as a galaxy or star cluster.

  Example Sentence: Before the distinction between galaxies and nebulae was made, many galaxies were referred to as nebulae.

Etymology

Origin: Latin word 'nebula', meaning 'mist' or 'fog'

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• reflection nebula: A type of nebula that reflects light from nearby stars.
• planetary nebula: A shell of gas ejected from a red giant star at the end of its life cycle.
• supernova remnant: The remains of a star that has exploded in a supernova, often appearing as a nebula.

Translations

• Spanish: nebulosa

• French: nébuleuse

• German: Nebel

• Russian: Nebula

Related Words

• supernova: The explosion of a star that results in a brilliant flash of light and can lead to the formation of a nebula.

• star: A luminous celestial body made of plasma, often formed within a nebula.

• galaxy: A system of stars, gases, and dust held together by gravity, containing many nebulae.