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Stardust Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stardust

[ˈstɑːrdʌst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

celestial phenomenon

Stardust refers to the tiny particles that are ejected from stars and can eventually become part of planets and other celestial bodies. In a broader, metaphorical sense, it can also describe something magical or enchanting.

Synonyms

cosmic dust, space particles, star debris.

Examples of usage

  • The stardust sprinkled through the galaxy created beautiful patterns.
  • She spoke of her dreams as if they were made of stardust.
  • Astronomers study the stardust found in meteorites to learn about the early solar system.
Context #2 | Noun

metaphorical usage

In a metaphorical sense, 'stardust' is often used to describe something that has a magical or dreamlike quality, evoking feelings of wonder and beauty.

Synonyms

enchantment, magic, wonder.

Examples of usage

  • The performance was filled with stardust, captivating the audience.
  • Her smile was bright and radiant, as if sprinkled with stardust.
  • The old movies capture the stardust of a bygone era.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Stardust refers to the tiny particles of cosmic matter created by stars, which can include elements like carbon and oxygen.
  • When stars explode in supernovae, they scatter these particles across the galaxy, contributing to the makeup of new stars and planets.
  • Most of the atoms in the human body are made from materials formed inside stars, linking us directly to stardust.

Literature

  • The term has been used poetically by various authors, including Neil Gaiman, who wrote a novel titled 'Stardust' that blends fantasy with adventure.
  • In poetry, 'stardust' often symbolizes dreams, magic, or the beauty of the universe, resonating with themes of hope and inspiration.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of stardust has been featured in numerous movies and songs, often representing magic or the remnants of dreams.
  • In children's media, stardust is depicted as a magical substance that sprinkles over characters to grant wishes or create wonders.

Philosophy

  • Philosophically, the idea of being made of stardust can lead to reflections on our connection to the universe and the cycle of life.
  • This concept encourages a perspective of unity in existence, as everything around us can trace its origins back to ancient stars.

Origin of 'stardust'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'stardust' combines 'star', which comes from Old English 'steorra', and 'dust', with roots in the Old Norse 'dyskr'.
  • The word gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the arts and literature to evoke a sense of wonder about the universe.

The term 'stardust' is a compound word formed from 'star' and 'dust'. 'Star' originates from the Old English word 'steorra', related to Latin 'stella' and Greek 'aster', all meaning a luminous celestial body. The word 'dust' comes from Old French 'doste', which has roots in Latin 'pulvis', meaning fine, dry particles. The combination of these words to describe the material produced by stars emphasizes both the celestial and the ephemeral qualities of the substance. The word gained popularity in the early 20th century and has been used in various artistic works, conveying a sense of cosmic magic and wonder. Over time, 'stardust' has also been embraced in literature and music as a metaphor for aspirations and dreams, suggesting that we are all made from the remnants of stars, lending a poetic quality to the concept of our existence being tied to the universe.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,259, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.