Galaxy
|gal-ax-y|
/ˈɡæləksi/
(galaxy)
vast star system
Etymology
'galaxy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'galaxias' (from 'gala'), where 'gala' meant 'milk'.
'galaxy' passed into English via Late Latin 'galaxias' (and Old French 'galaxie') and eventually became the modern English word 'galaxy'.
Initially, it referred specifically to the 'milky' band in the sky (the Milky Way); over time it broadened to mean any large system of stars and, by extension, a figurative collection.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a large system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravity (e.g., the Milky Way is a galaxy containing billions of stars).
The Galaxy contains billions of stars and many planetary systems.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically, the Milky Way when 'the Galaxy' is used as a proper noun referring to the galaxy that contains our solar system.
The Galaxy is home to our solar system.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a figurative use meaning a large number or collection of impressive people or things (e.g., 'a galaxy of stars' meaning many outstanding individuals).
The festival featured a Galaxy of young musicians from around the world.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/10/12 04:13