elliptical galaxy

noun

: a galaxy that has a generally elliptical shape and that has no apparent internal structure or spiral arms

called also elliptical

compare spiral galaxy

Examples of elliptical galaxy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The spiral galaxy being wrapped or lensed around the elliptical galaxy appears to be stretched and warped into a ring, with bright blue lines drawn through it where the spiral arms have been stretched into circles. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The elliptical galaxy at the center of this Einstein ring belongs to a galaxy cluster named SMACSJ0028.2-7537. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025 In the middle is an elliptical galaxy belonging to a cluster called SMACSJ0028.2-7537. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Being sites of intense star formation, the rings have been interpreted as evidence that Andromeda collided with its smaller neighboring elliptical galaxy M32 more than 200 million years ago. Miguel Claro, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elliptical galaxy

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elliptical galaxy was in 1948

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Cite this Entry

“Elliptical galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elliptical%20galaxy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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