nebular hypothesis

noun

: a hypothesis in astronomy: the solar system has evolved from a hot gaseous nebula

Examples of nebular hypothesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Beginning around 1860, Kelvin and other physicists started estimating the ages of the Earth and Sun using the nebular hypothesis proposed around 1750 by Immanuel Kant and Pierre Laplace. Mano Singham, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2021 For some quick context: Ever since Immanuel Kant introduced his nebular hypothesis in 1755, scientists have strongly suspected that planets form in swirling clouds around newborn stars. Corey S Powell, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nebular hypothesis was in 1833

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Cite this Entry

“Nebular hypothesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nebular%20hypothesis. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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