binary star

noun

Definition of binary starnext
as in neutron star

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of binary star Situated some 3,000 light-years away in the constellation Corona Borealis is a binary star system poised for a rare thermonuclear display. — Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026 Using artificial neutral networks, his tool allows astronomers to distinguish true binary star systems from chance alignments in massive data sets like the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission. — Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025 The double stars of Albireo are considered a binary star system, just over 400 light-years away, with just one light-year equaling nearly 6 trillion miles. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 14 Sep. 2025 Detecting and analyzing these oddities can help Bédard, Sahu, and other researchers gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ultimate fate of many binary star systems. — Andrew Paul Aug 6, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for binary star
Recent Examples of Synonyms for binary star
  1. neutron star
  2. red star
  3. variable star
  4. white dwarf
  5. variable
  6. giant star
Noun
  • Previous studies had suggested that the dark object was a neutron star.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 July 2026
  • When this phenomenon happens, all the matter in the neutron star fuses into one big atom, with a density of about a million billion g/cc.
    — Stephen DiKerby, The Conversation, 29 June 2026
Definition of neutron star
Noun
  • After a welcome presentation and cocktail party—Kir Royales in hand—slip into Moments, the onboard restaurant by German Michelin‑starred chef David Görne, whose cooking has held a red star since 2016 and a Green Star for sustainability since 2020.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The lunar disk will appear to draw closer to the red light of Antares as the pair track a low arc over the southern horizon, before finally setting at sunrise on May 31, with the red star having transitioned to the top of the silver moon.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 May 2026
Definition of red star
Noun
  • This variable star is also located 250 light-years from Earth, but is sadly lost from view in the glare of the sun during the summer months.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 June 2026
  • Mroz counters, however, that none of those cases are actual microlensing events and instead the mere fluctuations of ordinary variable stars.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
Definition of variable star
Noun
  • This investigation was conducted in ultraviolet light and using custom calibration to prevent flaring from the red dwarf companions from mimicking white dwarf signals.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 July 2026
  • The planet either warmed up while engulfed during the red giant phase, or began heating as gravity pulled it closer to the resultant white dwarf.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026
Definition of white dwarf
Noun
  • Judge’s fractured rib is a crucial variable for the New York Yankees’ World Series odds.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Same act, different rating, and the clearest variable was who was in the bed.
    — Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026
Definition of variable
Noun
  • These small stars also burn cooler and slower than our Sun (let alone a giant star), which means that intelligent, technology-using life has more time to potentially evolve and start sending out radio messages.
    — Kiona N. Smith, Forbes.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • However, in the nearby Andromeda galaxy, a giant star seems to have taken a very different path.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of giant star

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binary
binary star
binary stars
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Cite this Entry

“Binary star.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/binary%20star. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on binary star

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binary star

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