galaxy

English

/ˈɡaləksi/, /ˈɡæləksi/

noun
Definitions
  • (now) The Milky Way; the apparent band of concentrated stars which appears in the night sky over earth.
  • (galaxy) Any of the collections of many millions or billions of stars, galactic dust, black holes, etc. existing as independent and coherent systems, of which there are billions in the known universe.
  • (fashion) Any print or pattern reminiscent of a galaxy, generally consisting of blending, semiopaque patches of vibrant color on a dark background.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English galaxye derived from Old French galaxie derived from Latin galaxias (galaxy, Milky way) derived from Ancient Greek γαλαξίας (Milky Way, milky).

Origin

Ancient Greek

γαλαξίας

Gloss

Milky Way, milky

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms