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spiral galaxy Definition

spiral galaxy

noun

a galaxy having the visible form of a spiral

spiral galaxy Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • bar: It is believed that the LMC was once a barred spiral galaxy that was disrupted by the Milky Way to become somewhat irregular.

Adjective modifier

  • normal: The dust and spiral arms of normal spiral galaxies, like our own Milky Way, appear flat when viewed edge-on.
  • typical: The beautiful galaxy NGC 3982 is a typical spiral galaxy and looks similar to our own galaxy, the Milky Way.
  • near: We chose to observe NGC 253, which at a distance of 10 million light years is the nearest starburst spiral galaxy.
  • most: Most spiral galaxies have arms of gas and stars that trail behind as they turn.

Preposition: with

  • companion: M51 is a face on spiral galaxy with a companion on its north edge that appears to be colliding with M51.

Noun used with modifier

  • face-on: Through an extraordinary chance alignment, a face-on spiral galaxy lies precisely in front of another larger spiral.
  • starburst: We chose to observe NGC 253, which at a distance of 10 million light years is the nearest starburst spiral galaxy.

Browse dictionary entries near spiral galaxy

  1. spiral
  2. spiraea
  3. spiracle
  4. spir-
  5. spiny-rayed
  6. spiny lobster
  7. spiny-headed worm
  8. spiny-finned
  9. spiny dogfish
  10. spiny anteater
  1. spirant
  2. spire
  3. spirea
  4. spireme
  5. spiriferous
  6. spirillum
  7. spirit
  8. spirit gum
  9. spirit level
  10. spirited