galaxy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a vast gravitationally bound system of stars, gas, dust, dark matter, and other astronomical objects

   The telescope captured a spiral galaxy billions of light-years away.

2. 2
   noun

   a brilliant or distinguished group of people or things

   The conference brought together a galaxy of leading physicists.

From Middle English galaxie, through Old French and Latin from Greek galaxias, short for galaxias kyklos ("milky circle"), from gala ("milk"). It first named the Milky Way and later any comparable stellar system.

Topics