starlike

American  

[stahr-lahyk] / ˈstɑrˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. of the shape of or like a star.

2. shining like a star.

3. Mathematics. Also (of a set with respect to a point) having the property that the line segment connecting a given point and any other point in a region lies completely within the region.

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Etymology

Origin of starlike

First recorded in 1585–95; star + -like

Example Sentences

“What you will see, if it all works out, is a starlike head to a comet with a long, wispy glowing tail, arcing up into the sky,” Goss said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2024

The glowing gold stars are astrocytes: these cells control the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and are named for their starlike shape.

From Scientific American • Aug. 26, 2022

The researchers recorded Ćwiek saying the two words aloud, and asked participants to choose whether a pointy, starlike shape or a blobby, cloudlike shape best matched each recording.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 14, 2021

Also by Lozner is the quietly haunting “Night House,” a frame structure adorned with starlike white spatters and featuring a sort of infinity pool made of blue glass.

From Washington Post • Mar. 9, 2021

The skin of his face turned yellowish, with brilliant starlike red speckles.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston