elliptical galaxy

noun

: a galaxy that has a generally elliptical shape and that has no apparent internal structure or spiral arms

called also elliptical

compare spiral galaxy

Examples of elliptical galaxy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The very first black hole ever directly imaged was at the center of the giant elliptical galaxy, Messier 87, which sits at the heart of this galaxy cluster. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025 For more than a century, astronomers have marveled at the brilliant jet of matter blasting from the heart of the giant elliptical galaxy M87. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025 There are also elliptical galaxies, which are rounder or more oblong in shape with less definition than spiral galaxies. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2025 In the middle is an elliptical galaxy belonging to a cluster called SMACSJ0028.2-7537. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elliptical galaxy

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elliptical galaxy was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Elliptical galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elliptical%20galaxy. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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