protostar

noun

pro·​to·​star ˈprō-tō-ˌstär How to pronounce protostar (audio)
: a cloud of gas and dust in space believed to develop into a star

Examples of protostar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Lee, Johnstone, and their colleagues estimate the protostar may remain surrounded by its dust cloud for another 100,000 years. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2026 This particular outflow is also the longest outflow from a forming star or protostar ever seen by astronomers, stretching out for a staggering 32 light-years. Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Jan. 2026 The central young star, or protostar, weighing as much as 10 of our suns, is located 15,000 light-years away in the outer reaches of our galaxy. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025 The protostar itself is extraordinary. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protostar

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protostar was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Protostar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protostar. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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