starburst

[ stahr-burst ]

/ ˈstɑrˌbɜrst /

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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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby starburst

star, star anise, star apple, Stara Zagora, starboard, starburst, Star Carr, starch, Star Chamber, star chart, starch blocker

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use starburst in a sentence

Such a starburst causes hot gas to blast out from the galaxy, causing a spherical shock wave.
‘Odd Radio Circles’ That Baffled Astronomers Are Likely Explosions From Distant Galaxies|Ray Norris|April 1, 2022|Singularity Hub
It had flavors of tropical stone fruits and, as one tester put it, is reminiscent of Starburst candy.
Canned Wine Has Arrived. Here Are Our Favorites.|klindsey|November 5, 2021|Outside Online
Becky KrystalChocolate bars might be the most popular kids at the Halloween party, but I’m partial to the overlooked fruity, chewy delights that are Starburst candies.
The best Halloween candy according to our staff|Washington Post Staff|October 25, 2021|Washington Post
Remove the protective paper on these Skullcandy earbuds, just like you would before popping a Starburst or Tootsie Roll into your mouth, and then enjoy.
Skullcandy Dime earphones review: These wireless earbuds are a sweet deal|Billy Cadden|June 28, 2021|Popular-Science

The calculations she runs perpetually in her brain are a substitute for a heartbeat, and Keough, a wondrous actor, puts that energy onscreen in Starburst colors.
Zola Is a Wild Road Trip Movie That Works Against All Odds|Stephanie Zacharek|June 25, 2021|Time
When they encounter cops or rivals, the outriders will starburst, creating a diversion.
A Tinderbox Waiting for a Match|Gavin Knight|August 11, 2011|DAILY BEAST

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.