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Dumbbell nebula

American  

noun

Astronomy.

  1. the planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, which in photographs appears to have the shape of a dumbbell.

Etymology

Origin of Dumbbell nebula

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zooming in on the Dumbbell Nebula to view its apple-core outline, complete with a red skin, also drew some gasps.

From Washington Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.