Galaxy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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galaxy

[หˆษกรฆlษ™ksi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

space

A galaxy is a system of millions or billions of stars, together with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction.

Synonyms

cosmos, star system.

Examples of usage

  • Our solar system is located within the Milky Way galaxy.
  • The Andromeda galaxy is the closest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

Galaxy is a brand of mobile devices developed by Samsung Electronics.

Synonyms

Galaxy phone, Samsung Galaxy.

Examples of usage

  • The latest Samsung Galaxy phone has a high-quality camera.
  • She owns a Samsung Galaxy tablet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • There are estimated to be over 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe, each with millions or even billions of stars.
  • Galaxies can be categorized into three main types: spiral, elliptical, and irregular, based on their shapes and star distributions.
  • The closest galaxy to us is the Andromeda Galaxy, which is on a collision course with the Milky Way, expected to merge in about four billion years.

Pop Culture

  • Galaxies often appear in movies and TV shows, inspiring titles like 'Guardians of the Galaxy', which explores adventure in space.
  • The imagery of galaxies has influenced countless artworks, from paintings to digital media, symbolizing the infinite.

Astronomy

  • The Milky Way, the galaxy we live in, is a barred spiral galaxy and contains over 200 billion stars.
  • Galaxies are constantly moving away from each other due to the expansion of the universe, a discovery that revolutionized modern cosmology.
  • Some galaxies can collide and merge over time, leading to the formation of new stars and altering their shapes dramatically.

Literature

  • Galaxies have inspired countless science fiction novels, often serving as backdrops for interstellar adventures and explorations.
  • Poets have used the vastness of galaxies as metaphors for infinity, dreams, and the unknown in their works.

Origin of 'galaxy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'galaxias kyklos', meaning 'milky circle', referring to our Milky Way.
  • The term was first used in the 16th century to describe the Milky Way and later expanded to include other star systems.
  • In ancient cultures, galaxies were often linked to myths and were considered pathways or roads in the sky.

The word 'galaxy' originated from the Greek word 'galaxias' which means 'milky'. It was first used in English to refer to the Milky Way galaxy in the 14th century. The term has since been expanded to refer to any large system of stars, including our own solar system. In the 20th century, the term 'Galaxy' was also adopted by Samsung Electronics as a brand name for their popular line of mobile devices.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,001, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.