nova

no-va · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (astronomy) A star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness and then gradually fades to its original state over weeks or months.

Forms

plural: novae

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    supernova — a much more powerful stellar explosion

Related words

See also: astronomy, star, supernova

Etymology

From Latin nova (feminine of novus, "new"), short for nova stella ("new star").