spiral galaxy

noun

: a galaxy exhibiting a central nucleus or barred structure from which extend curved arms of higher luminosity

called also spiral nebula

Examples of spiral galaxy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Also known as Andromeda, the Milky Way’s most immediate neighbor is about 2.5 million light-years away, and provides an excellent option for studying how spiral galaxies form and evolve over time. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 June 2025 The spiral galaxy is home to Earth and hundreds of billions of stars spanning more than 100,000 light-years, NASA said. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025 The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy, and our solar system lies on its outer fringes. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 Blue and red stars shine brightly, while nearby blue spiral galaxies and distant red galaxy groups can also be seen. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spiral galaxy

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiral galaxy was in 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Spiral galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiral%20galaxy. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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