adjective
galactic
guh-LAK-tik/ɡəˈlæktɪk/
Of a galaxy and its immense scale.
The sweeping arms and bright central bulge reveal the galactic structure.
Etymology
The milk root recalls the Milky Way’s Greek name, literally “milky circle.” Galactic first referred to that bright band of stars, then took on its astronomical meaning relating to a galaxy.
In context
The Sun takes about 230 million years to complete one lap around the galaxy. Astronomers call this a galactic year.
More examples
- New stars often form during galactic collisions.
- The map shows our position in the galactic disk.
- The tiny mistake becomes a disaster of galactic proportions.
Forms
galaxy noun — A vast system of stars, gas, and dust.
Similar words
- cosmic
- Describes the universe broadly, rather than a particular galaxy.
- astronomical
- Can mean extremely large without specifically referring to a galaxy.