Seyfert galaxy

noun

Sey·​fert galaxy ˈsē-fərt- How to pronounce Seyfert galaxy (audio)
 also  ˈsī-
: any of a class of spiral galaxies that have small compact bright nuclei characterized by variability in light intensity, emission of radio waves, and spectra

called also Seyfert

Examples of Seyfert galaxy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It is also known as a Seyfert galaxy or a galaxy with an active nucleus. Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 Further, the galaxy NGC 5495 is considered a Seyfert galaxy, with an active galactic nucleus at its core. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 3 Nov. 2022 The dominant member of the Perseus Cluster, Perseus A is a Seyfert galaxy with an active nucleus, powered by a 340-million-solar-mass black hole in its core. David J Eicher, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

Carl K. Seyfert †1960 American astronomer

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Seyfert galaxy was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near Seyfert galaxy

Cite this Entry

“Seyfert galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Seyfert%20galaxy. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Seyfert galaxy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!