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
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Gravitational lensing occurs when a massive object sits between Earth and a background source — in this case, RXJ1131-1231 and its quasar. Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2025 As such, quasars are among the most powerful beacons astronomers can use to probe distant regions of the universe. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 18 June 2025 Stars burn like celestial nuclear fusion reactors, quasars emit thousands of times the luminosity of the Milky Way galaxy, and asteroids slam into planets. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 June 2025 Related article Largest celestial object of its kind discovered in the distant universe Highly dynamic, luminous quasars are rare, according to NASA. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for quasar

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

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Cite this Entry

“Quasar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quasar. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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

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