nova
word
/ˈnoʊvə/
NOH-vuh
/nˈəʊvɐ/
NOH-vuh
Definition
A nova is a star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a short period of time and then returns to its original brightness. It happens because of an explosion on the star's surface.
Usage & Nuances
'Nova' is mainly used in astronomy and is not used for people or other things. Do not confuse it with 'supernova,' which is a much bigger and more powerful event. Plural is 'novae' or 'novas'.
Spanish: nova (astronomía)Portuguese (BR): nova (astronomia)Portuguese (PT): nova (astronomia)Chinese (Simplified): 新星Chinese (Traditional): 新星Hindi: सुपरनवा (खगोलीय) - नोवा (खगोलशास्त्र)Arabic: مستعرBengali: নোভাRussian: новая звездаJapanese: 新星Vietnamese: sao bùng nổ - novaKorean: 신성Turkish: nova (yıldız)Urdu: نووا (تارا)Indonesian: nova
Example Sentences
Scientists study novae to learn how stars change over time.
natural
A nova can light up the night sky for days.
basic
The astronomer discovered a new nova last year.
basic
A nova is not as powerful as a supernova.
basic
Did you see the bright nova last night? It was amazing!
natural
After the explosion, the nova slowly faded and disappeared from view.
natural