island universe

noun

1. an external galaxy.

island universe

noun

1. See galaxy
   a former name for galaxy

Word History and Origins

Origin of island universe¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

By the end of the decade, Hubble had not only shown that the spiral nebulae were “island universes,” he also had begun to classify different galaxy types and think about how they evolved over time.

From Science News

The universe as Edwin Hubble had imagined it, chock-full of island universes, was captured in one hard look.

From Science News

They were now so near the Island Universe that the stars spread out in a huge disc ahead of them.

From Project Gutenberg

An exploring-ship was on its way to a second island universe.

From Project Gutenberg