starburst

[stahr-burst]

noun

1. a pattern of lines or rays radiating from a central point.

2. Astronomy.,  an intense and sudden episode of star formation in a galaxy.

3. Photography.,  a camera lens attachment that produces star shapes of reflected light.

starburst

/ ˈstɑːˌbɜːst /

noun

1. a pattern of rays or lines radiating from a light source

2. photog a lens attachment which produces a starburst effect

starburst

1. The rapid formation of large numbers of new stars in a galaxy at a rate high enough to alter the structure of the galaxy significantly. Starburst galaxies, which are very luminous, form stars at rates that are between tens and hundreds of times faster than those of ordinary galaxies. Initial star formation is believed to be brought on by violent events such as collisions, or near collisions, with other galaxies, in which shockwaves cause the gases in the interstellar medium to collapse into protostars. The resulting stars are generally massive and short-lived. These stars become supernovae that create further shock waves, triggering yet more star formation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of starburst¹

First recorded in 1830–40, for an earlier sense; 1950–55 starburst for def. 1; 1980–85 starburst for def. 2; 1965–70 starburst for def. 3; star ( def. ) + burst ( def. )

Example Sentences

His chestnut pony, Starburst, is as spirited and high-strung as Rainbow is gentle and sweet.

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“Although I am frantic to know what happens next to Edith-Anne Pevington, that intriguing boy named Albert, high-spirited Starburst, and dear, sweet Rainbow, I will put aside my book until later and give my full attention to the task at hand,” she thought, carefully tucking her bookmark ribbon in place so she could find her page again later on.

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The 17 year-old took the illegal drugs, branded to look like Starburst sweets, in his bedroom and had to be rushed to hospital after developing chest pains.

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Historic details maintained inside the home include “original hardwood and marble floors, original breathtaking poured-plaster sculpted ceiling reliefs of nymphs and clam shell starburst by European artisans, cedar built-out closets in every bedroom, original Hunter ceiling fans in the sunroom and library, original bathrooms tile and woodwork, and the original built-in safe.”

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Mars Wrigley North America, for example, announced last month that starting in 2026, they will offer product options without synthetic dyes for M&M’s, Skittles Original, Extra Gum Spearmint, and Starburst Original—but these are additions, not replacements, for the original, dye-containing versions.

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