star formation

[ stahr fawr-mey-shuhn ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a process that takes place within a molecular cloud, in which a dense region of gas and dust collapses and produces stars.
2. the branch of astronomy that deals with all aspects and stages of the formation of stars.

Word History and Origins

Origin of star formation¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

But early galaxies—at least very high-mass ones—should drop off in star formation at some point.

From The Daily Beast

For that reason, black holes can influence star formation, both positively and negatively.

From The Daily Beast

Once star formation stops in a galaxy, the only way for it to get bigger is by merging with or eating smaller galaxies.

From The Daily Beast

Also the northern spiral nebul were photographed, exhibiting an extraordinary wealth of detail in apparent star formation.

From Project Gutenberg