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neutron star
noun
: a dense celestial object that consists primarily of closely packed neutrons and that results from the collapse of a much larger stellar body
Examples of neutron star in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That hypothesis was confirmed in 2017 when the LIGO collaboration picked up the gravitational wave signal of two neutron stars merging, accompanied by the powerful gamma-ray bursts associated with a kilonova.
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Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 26 July 2024
Earlier this year, the James Webb Space Telescope determined a neutron star lies at the center of the carnage.
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Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
The purple X-ray glow detected by Chandra hints at this, suggesting the supermassive black hole—as well as smaller black holes or neutron stars—is pulling material from companion stars.
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Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
These bursts are likely caused by merging neutron stars.
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Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 3 July 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neutron star.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1934, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near neutron star
Cite this Entry
“Neutron star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutron%20star. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
neutron star
noun
: a very dense object in space that consists of closely packed neutrons and is produced by the collapse of a much larger star
More from Merriam-Webster on neutron star
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for neutron star
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neutron star
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