Glossary

gal⋅ax⋅y

[gal-uh

k-see]

–noun, plural -ax⋅ies.

Astronomy.

a.	a large system of stars held together by mutual gravitation and isolated from similar systems by vast regions of space.

b.	(usually initial capital letter) Milky Way.

2.	any large and brilliant or impressive assemblage of persons or things: a galaxy of opera stars.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME galaxie, galaxias < ML galaxia, galaxias, ult. < Gk galaxías kýklos the Milky Way; see galacto-

Galaxy