starburst
[ stahr-burst ]
/ ˈstɑrˌbɜrst /
noun
a pattern of lines or rays radiating from a central point.
Astronomy. an intense and sudden episode of star formation in a galaxy.
Photography. a camera lens attachment that produces star shapes of reflected light.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for starburst
When they encounter cops or rivals, the outriders will starburst, creating a diversion.
British Dictionary definitions for starburst
starburst
/ (ˈstɑːˌbɜːst) /
noun
a pattern of rays or lines radiating from a light source
photog a lens attachment which produces a starburst effect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for starburst
starburst
[ stär′bûrst′ ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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