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neutron star
noun
: a dense celestial object that consists primarily of closely packed neutrons and that results from the collapse of a much larger stellar body
Examples of neutron star in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These bursts are likely caused by merging neutron stars.
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Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 3 July 2024
In 2017 scientists observed a neutron star merger for the first time by detecting gravitational waves created by the interaction.
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Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2024
These can see lower frequency waves generated by much bigger events, such as the collision between black holes and neutron stars.
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The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2024
That 2017 event marked the first time astronomers had all of the necessary pieces of information to confirm predictions about the merging of neutron stars and the production of gravitational waves followed by signals in gamma rays, X-rays, optical and infrared light.
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Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neutron star.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1934, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near neutron star
Cite this Entry
“Neutron star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutron%20star. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
neutron star
noun
: a very dense object in space that consists of closely packed neutrons and is produced by the collapse of a much larger star
More from Merriam-Webster on neutron star
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for neutron star
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neutron star
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