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 Granted, this series has moving parts beyond its binary stars. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2026 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 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
  • Chandra’s X-ray observations indicate that AT 2016blu has an unseen companion, a compact, high-gravity object that is either a neutron star or a stellar-mass black hole on an elliptical 113-day orbit around the luminous blue variable.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The gravity on the surface can be several billion times Earth’s, and a typical neutron star’s magnetic field is billions of times stronger than Earth’s as well.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of neutron star
Noun
  • To find Taurus, look to the northeast of the constellation Orion to find the red star Aldebaran, the star in the bull’s eye.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Hollywood Historic Trust shared a photo of restoration progress on its social media, showing a blank red star set in an otherwise empty square.
    — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of red star
Noun
  • Untangling the mystery Betelgeuse has long been known as a variable star, and recent breakthroughs are helping astronomers untangle its erratic behavior.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In May, for example, astronomers suggested that a lunar-mass PBH might have been spotted drifting through the halo of our Milky Way, but follow-up work suggested the sighting was a variable star, not a black hole.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of variable star
Noun
  • The team thinks that this unique double structure is evidence of planets that weren't completely vaporized during this white dwarf's red giant phase.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Next, Hollands is planning to keep analyzing more white dwarf star spectra, with advances in scientific techniques meaning that researchers will be able to look at a new tranche of stars that are even farther away from Earth.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of white dwarf
Noun
  • Even considering that Xavier Worthy returned to practice Wednesday after suffering a hamstring injury Sunday against the New York Jets, Downs’ timetable will be a vital variable for the Chiefs in the weeks to come.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Blue star falls victim to a cosmic vampire Each time the compact object reaches the point in its orbit that is closest to the luminous blue variable, its powerful gravity is able to pull material from the unstable star.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of variable
Noun
  • Together, these mechanisms paint a richer picture of why Orion's giant star fades and brightens.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • 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
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 14 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binary star

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