Cepheid

noun

Ce·​phe·​id ˈse-f(ē-)id  ˈsē- 

: any of a class of variable stars whose very regular light variations are related directly to their intrinsic luminosities and whose apparent luminosities are used to estimate distances in astronomy

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Cepheus

First Known Use

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Cepheid

noun

Ce·​phe·​id ˈsē-fē-əd 

: one of a class of pulsating stars whose changes in brightness are very regular