galaxy
word
/ˈɡæɫəksi/
GA-luhk-see
/ɡˈælɐksˌi/
GA-luhk-see
Definition
A galaxy is a very large system of stars, gas, dust, and planets held together by gravity. Our solar system is part of the Milky Way galaxy.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in astronomy and science contexts. 'Galaxy' can also be used figuratively in formal or literary English to mean a brilliant group of people, as in 'a galaxy of stars'. Do not confuse it with 'solar system': a galaxy is much larger.
Spanish: galaxiaPortuguese (BR): galáxiaPortuguese (PT): galáxiaChinese (Simplified): 星系Chinese (Traditional): 星系Hindi: आकाशगंगा - मंदाकिनीArabic: مجرةBengali: গ্যালাক্সিRussian: галактикаJapanese: 銀河 - 銀河系Vietnamese: thiên hàKorean: 은하Turkish: galaksiUrdu: کہکشاںIndonesian: galaksi
Example Sentences
The Milky Way is our galaxy.
basic
That galaxy has billions of stars.
basic
Astronomers think this galaxy may have formed very early in the universe.
natural
We learned about the galaxy in class today.
basic
Sometimes it's hard to believe how small we are in this huge galaxy.
natural
The photo was so clear that you could see the shape of the galaxy.
natural