globular cluster

noun

: any of various approximately spherical clusters of gravitationally associated stars that typically populate galactic halos

called also globular

Examples of globular cluster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Those with telescope can see two deep-sky objects close to it — globular cluster M5 and another (faint) comet called 13P/Olbers. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Among these hundreds of millions of tiny specks of light lurk newborn stars, extremely cold brown dwarfs that only glow at infrared wavelengths, free-floating planets, and globular clusters—groupings containing millions of the Milky Way’s oldest stars in existence. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Sep. 2024 To look for the elusive objects, astronomers have targeted small galaxies and globular clusters, spherical conglomerations of tens of thousands to many millions of stars. Bydaniel Clery, science.org, 10 July 2024 Moving fast The fast-moving stars reside in Omega Centauri, the largest globular cluster in the Milky Way. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for globular cluster 

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of globular cluster was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near globular cluster

Cite this Entry

“Globular cluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/globular%20cluster. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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