BL Lacertae object

noun

BL La·​cer·​tae object

-ləˈsərtē-,

-tē-

variants or less commonly BL Lac object

-ˈlak-

: a celestial object that is similar to a quasar in the intensity of its radiation and is recognizable by its radio emissions

Word History

Etymology

BL Lacertae, original designation for the first such object to be discovered, from BL, designation for the 89th variable star in a constellation + New Latin Lacertae, genitive of Lacerta, a constellation

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

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