Messier catalogue
- astronomy a catalogue of 103 nonstellar objects, such as nebulae and galaxies, prepared in 1781–86. An object is referred to by its number in this catalogue, for example the Andromeda Galaxy is referred to as M 31
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Word Origin
C18: named after Charles Messier (1730–1817), French astronomer
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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