galaxy
noun
Newsweek
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The system of stars that includes our sun looks, in the night sky, like a broad band of light. We call this band the Milky Way. The idea of the whiteness of the Milky Way being similar to that of milk is much older than the English language, however. Galaxias, the Greek word for the Milky Way, was derived from the Greek gala, “milk.” English galaxy, derived from Greek galaxias, was not used until the 19th century as a generic term for other star systems as well as the one in which we live.
Examples of galaxy in a Sentence
Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
The scientists behind this research discovered that carbon and other elements don't just sit placidly in galaxies after being forged by stars and dispersed by supernova explosions.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Discovery found from Webb images of 'Dragon Arc' galaxy
The team of astronomers did not expect to find the trove of stars while studying Webb images of a galaxy known as the Dragon Arc.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Instead, most of the influence matter has had on these photons comes from materials inside a galaxy—either the galaxy that hosts the source or within our own Milky Way.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2025
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Dictionary Entries Near galaxy
Cite this Entry
“Galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galaxy. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
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galaxy
noun
Middle English galaxie "the Milky Way," from Latin galaxias (same meaning), from Greek galaxias "Milky Way," from galakt-, gala "milk"
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