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Supernovae: meaning, definitions and examples

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supernovae

 

[ ˌsuːpəˈnoʊvi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

astronomy phenomenon

A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle. This event happens when a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, leading to a dramatic increase in brightness that can outshine entire galaxies for a short period. There are two primary types of supernovae: Type I and Type II, each triggered by different mechanisms related to the properties of the star. Supernovae are important for enriching the interstellar medium with heavy elements and play a significant role in the formation of new stars.

Synonyms

cataclysmic event, stellar explosion

Examples of usage

  • Astronomers observed a supernova in a distant galaxy.
  • The supernova released an enormous amount of energy.
  • Supernovae are essential for understanding the universe's evolution.

Etymology

The term 'supernova' was first coined in 1931 by astronomer Fritz Zwicky. It originates from the Latin word 'nova,' meaning 'new,' with the prefix 'super-' added to indicate that it is a more significant and brighter version of an ordinary nova. Novae are relatively less energetic phenomena, typically involving the sudden eruption of a star that has accreted material. In contrast, a supernova marks the dramatic end stage of a massive star's life or the explosive interaction of binary star systems. Over the years, the study of supernovae has provided crucial insights into stellar evolution, the formation of elements in the universe, and the expansion of space itself, firmly establishing supernovae as a fundamental aspect of both modern astrophysics and cosmology.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,370 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.