galaxy

UK: ˈɡæləksi | US: ˈɡæləksi

Definition
  1. n. a system of millions or billions of stars, together with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction

  2. n. (figurative) a large or impressive group of people or things

Structure
galax <milk>y <noun suffix>
Etymology

galaxy = galax<milk> + y<noun suffix>

  • galax (from Greek galakt-, meaning "milk")
  • y (a noun-forming suffix, often indicating a state or quality)

Etymology Origin:
The word galaxy originates from the Greek galaxias ("milky circle"), derived from gala ("milk"). This refers to the Milky Way, which appeared as a milky band in the night sky to ancient observers. The term later expanded to describe other star systems. The suffix -y was added in English to form the noun.

Examples
  1. The Milky Way is just one galaxy among billions in the universe.

  2. Scientists discovered a distant galaxy with unusual star formations.

  3. The concert hall was a galaxy of talented musicians.

  4. Her eyes sparkled like stars in a galaxy.

  5. Modern telescopes allow us to observe galaxies billions of light-years away.