magnetar

/ ˈmæɡnɪtɑː /

noun

1. a type of neutron star that has a very intense magnetic field, over 1000 times greater than that of a pulsar

magnetar

/ măg′nə-tär′ /

1. A neutron star with a very strong magnetic field. Magnetars are the proposed sources of observed gamma ray bursts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetar¹

C20: from magnet ( ic ) ( st ) ar , on the model of quasar

Example Sentences

Light emitted by the hot gas swirling around the black hole passed near this magnetar before reaching us.

From The Daily Beast

One magnetar is only about a light-year from the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

From The Daily Beast

That extra spin in the progenitor star might have been enough to give the neutron star more magnetic power, making it a magnetar.

From The Daily Beast