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

Examples of Cepheid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By comparing a Cepheid’s intrinsic luminosity with how bright the star appears in our sky, its distance can then be calculated. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2025

Hubble worked hard, taking images of spiral nebulae every clear night and looking for the telltale variations of Cepheid variables. — Chris Impey, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025

As a student there, Wells joined Cepheid Variable, volunteered at the convention, and tried her hand at writing. — Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

As well as being positioned very close to Earth’s north celestial pole, Polaris is a Cepheid variable, a star that pulsates and changes in brightness in a highly predictable way. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

At subsidiary Cepheid, which handles molecular diagnostics, the team reported market share gains in molecular testing. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 23 July 2024

If manufacturers of PCR test equipment, like Roche, Abbott, and Cepheid, can ramp up to this by brute force—making chemicals and equipment—that would be great. — IEEE Spectrum, 24 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Cepheus

First Known Use

circa 1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Cepheid

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

Cepheid

noun

Ce·​phe·​id ˈsē-fē-əd 

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