elliptical galaxy
noun
: a galaxy that has a generally elliptical shape and that has no apparent internal structure or spiral arms
called also elliptical
compare spiral galaxyExamples of elliptical galaxy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The large, pink-and-white blob just right of center is the elliptical galaxy M86, which is traveling at about three million miles per hour.
—
Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
The first is a spiral galaxy; the second is an elliptical galaxy.
—Joel Achenbach, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
In 2019, the EHT announced the first direct image taken of a black hole at the center of an elliptical galaxy, Messier 87, located in the constellation of Virgo some 55 million light-years away.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
Magnetic Fields The new image—published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters—shows a magnetic field structure very similar to that of the black hole at the center of the M87 galaxy, a supergiant elliptical galaxy around 54 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elliptical galaxy 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
The first is a spiral galaxy; the second is an elliptical galaxy.
—Joel Achenbach, Washington Post, 12 July 2024
In 2019, the EHT announced the first direct image taken of a black hole at the center of an elliptical galaxy, Messier 87, located in the constellation of Virgo some 55 million light-years away.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Mar. 2024
Magnetic Fields The new image—published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters—shows a magnetic field structure very similar to that of the black hole at the center of the M87 galaxy, a supergiant elliptical galaxy around 54 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elliptical galaxy
Dictionary Entries Near elliptical galaxy
Cite this Entry
“Elliptical galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elliptical%20galaxy. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share