double star

noun

Astronomy.

1. two stars that appear as one if not viewed through a telescope with adequate magnification, such as two stars that are separated by a great distance but are nearly in line with each other and an observer optical double star, or those that are relatively close together and comprise a single physical system physical double star.

double star

noun

1. two stars, appearing close together when viewed through a telescope; either physically associated (binary star) or not associated (optical double star) See also binary star optical double star

double star

1. See binary star

Word History and Origins

Origin of double star¹

First recorded in 1775–85