quasar

noun

qua·​sar ˈkwā-ˌzär How to pronounce quasar (audio)
 also  -ˌsär
: a region at the center of a galaxy that produces an extremely large amount of radiation

Examples of quasar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Measurements of distances to quasars based on radio-interferometric techniques, for instance, are advancing, and there are prospects for using fluctuations in galaxy-surface brightness. Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 Or at least a lot like quasars from more recent periods in the Universe's history. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 June 2024 Once activated, they are called active galactic nuclei, AGN, or quasars. Giuseppina Fabbiano, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2024 Having the tools to shore up your scripts — a better understanding of the nature of quasars, or the wave-particle duality of matter and light — is surely no bad thing. Remy Blumenfeld, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for quasar 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quasar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

quasi-stellar

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quasar was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near quasar

Cite this Entry

“Quasar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quasar. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

quasar

noun
qua·​sar ˈkwā-ˌzär How to pronounce quasar (audio)
 also  -ˌsär
: any of the very distant starlike heavenly objects that give off very strong blue and ultraviolet light and powerful radio waves

More from Merriam-Webster on quasar

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