stardust

Or star dust

[stahr-duhst]

noun

1. (not in technical use) a mass of distant stars appearing as tiny particles of dust.

2. a naively romantic quality.

   There was stardust in her eyes.

stardust

/ ˈstɑːˌdʌst /

noun

1. dusty material found between the stars

2. a large number of distant stars appearing to the observer as a cloud of dust

3. a dreamy romantic or sentimental quality or feeling

Word History and Origins

Origin of stardust¹

First recorded in 1835–45; star + dust

Example Sentences

Next weekend, the players will disperse to rugby clubs around the country to sprinkle some stardust on RugbyFest, a nationwide "open house" designed to turn new followers of the game into regular players and volunteers.

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The plan is that the Silicon Valley stardust will be sprinkled on the scientific Golden Triangle of Oxford-Cambridge-London - "and don't forget the Open University in Milton Keynes", said Kyle.

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Geyoro’s anticipated arrival comes after London City made a late move for the France international in the window, adding further stardust to an impressive squad.

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Mr Lemon's younger son Richard, 73, said: "He takes on a bit of stardust through his longevity. We're all very proud of him."

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The absence of Kohli in particular means there is a little less stardust, though not necessarily a diminished chance of India success.

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Related Words

• celebrity 
• drawing power www.thesaurus.com
• glamor www.thesaurus.com
• stardom 

When To Use

What is stardust?

Stardust is used figuratively to mean a quality that is naively romantic. For example, someone who is in love may be said to have stardust in their eyes because they don’t recognize any of their loved one’s flaws. This is the most common sense of stardust.In fantasy stories, the term stardust is usually depicted as shining particles of dust that when sprinkled lead to a variety of magical, ethereal, or supernatural effects.Stardust is also used figuratively to mean a mass of stars that are so far away that they appear to be particles of airborne dust.Literally, stardust is cosmic dust, that is, small particles of matter floating through space that are believed to make up all matter in the known universe.Stardust can also be used as a slang term for cocaine, due to its crystalline, dusty appearance and euphorigenic effects. Cocaine is illegal in many places around the world because of its addictive nature.Example: Juliet was so in love with Romeo that she had stardust in her eyes.