nebula

/ˈnɛbjʊlə/

nebula

English Noun Top 15,440
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Definition

A cloud in outer space consisting of gas or dust (e.g. a cloud formed after a star explodes).

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin nebula (“little cloud, mist”). Akin to Ancient Greek νεφέλη (nephélē, “cloud”), German Nebel (“mist, nebula”), Old Norse nifl, Polish niebo (“sky, heaven”), Russian не́бо (nébo, “sky”).

Example Sentences

  • "Approximately 5 billion years ago, our solar nebula was formed as gravitational forces pulled interstellar gas and dust into a swirling mass around out newly formed sun."
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