Magellanic cloud

noun

, Astronomy.

1. either of two irregular galactic clusters in the southern heavens that are the nearest independent star system to the Milky Way.

Magellanic Cloud

/ ˌmæɡɪˈlænɪk /

noun

1. either of two small irregular galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud (Nubecula Major) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (Nubecula Minor), lying near the S celestial pole; they are probably satellites of the Galaxy. Distances: 163 000 light years (Large), 196 000 light years (Small)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Magellanic cloud¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

I make it just a shade inside the outermost fringes of the Large Magellanic Cloud.

From Project Gutenberg