galactic

[guh-lak-tik]

adjective

1. Astronomy.

   1. of or relating to a galaxy.

   2. of or relating to the Milky Way.

2. immense; huge; vast.

   a problem of galactic proportions.

3. Physiology.,  pertaining to or stimulating the secretion of milk.

galactic

/ ɡəˈlæktɪk /

adjective

1. astronomy of or relating to a galaxy, esp the Galaxy

   the galactic plane

2. med of or relating to milk

Other Word Forms

• nongalactic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of galactic¹

First recorded in 1830–40, galactic is from the Greek word galaktikós milky. See galact-, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of galactic¹

C19: from Greek galaktikos; see _galaxy

Example Sentences

They spin, fly and twirl as they get closer and closer to each other and eventually merge and grow into one big, mixed-up galaxy in a process known as a ‘galactic merger’.

Read more on Space Scoop

Scientists are now actively looking for bow shock structures in our galaxy caused by the central black hole activities from thousands of years ago, so as to trace the history of our galactic black hole.

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The large amounts of gas visible on the leading edges of the bar are being channeled towards the galactic center.

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Our Sun is about 27,000 light years from the galactic center, which means that the next closest technological civilization to our own could be on the other side of the Milky Way.

Read more on Science Daily

"This allows us to help explain the extreme luminosities of active galactic nuclei as well as the acceleration of particles to nearly the speed of light."

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• astronomical 
• cosmic