globular cluster

noun

: any of various approximately spherical clusters of gravitationally associated stars that typically populate galactic halos

called also globular

Examples of globular cluster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The old globular clusters found in the Milky Way, the ones that haven’t formed new stars in 10 billion years or more, have as little as 1% of the heavy elements found in the Sun, but the ones closest to the galactic center have up to 22% of the heavy elements found in the Sun. Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025 In this case, the new, smaller black hole that formed from the collision shot through space at more than 31 miles per second – fast enough to escape its host galaxy and the surrounding globular cluster of stars bound together by gravity. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 Open star clusters are loose and irregular groups of stars that are often younger and contain fewer stars when compared to denser globular clusters. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025 With the bright moon out of the sky as the week ends, grab a pair of binoculars or a small telescope and look for M13, the brightest globular cluster visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for globular cluster

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of globular cluster was in 1785

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Cite this Entry

“Globular cluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/globular%20cluster. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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