planetary nebula

noun

: a usually compact luminous ring-shaped nebula that is composed of matter which has been ejected from a hot star at its center

Examples of planetary nebula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That characteristic ionization marks a full-fledged planetary nebula. Big Think, 3 Nov. 2025 Indeed, the planetary nebula seen above, known as the Red Spider Nebula and imaged by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), is a terrific example of the rich scientific detail and aesthetic beauty these objects can offer. Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Oct. 2025 The team noted that this find may be the first concrete evidence of PAHs forming inside a planetary nebula, and could help explain where such molecules originate in space. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2025 Spotted by Charles Messier in 1764, its the first planetary nebula discovered. Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for planetary nebula

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetary nebula was in 1785

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Cite this Entry

“Planetary nebula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetary%20nebula. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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