elliptical galaxy

noun

: a galaxy that has a generally elliptical shape and that has no apparent internal structure or spiral arms

called also elliptical

compare spiral galaxy

Examples of elliptical 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.
The large, pink-and-white blob just right of center is the elliptical galaxy M86, which is traveling at about three million miles per hour. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024 The first is a spiral galaxy; the second is an elliptical galaxy. Joel Achenbach, Washington Post, 12 July 2024 In 2019, the EHT announced the first direct image taken of a black hole at the center of an elliptical galaxy, Messier 87, located in the constellation of Virgo some 55 million light-years away. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024 Magnetic Fields The new image—published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters—shows a magnetic field structure very similar to that of the black hole at the center of the M87 galaxy, a supergiant elliptical galaxy around 54 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elliptical galaxy 

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elliptical galaxy was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near elliptical galaxy

Cite this Entry

“Elliptical galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elliptical%20galaxy. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on elliptical galaxy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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