starquake

[ stahr-kweyk ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a rapid change in the mass distribution or shape of a pulsar, resulting in a fluctuation of the pulsar's pulse rate or radiation intensity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of starquake¹

First recorded in 1965–70; star + (earth)quake

Example Sentences

The researchers think that the flare was triggered by a massive starquake.

From Science News For Students