protostar
noun
pro·to·star
ˈprō-tō-ˌstär 
: a cloud of gas and dust in space believed to develop into a star
Examples of protostar in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These represent gas that has been shunted by outflows, creating dense regions of matter that reflect light from proximate protostars.
—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 July 2026
The protostar doesn’t contract, though, since it’s still held up by gas pressure.
—
Big Think,
24 Apr. 2026
Lee, Johnstone, and their colleagues estimate the protostar may remain surrounded by its dust cloud for another 100,000 years.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for protostar
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 July 2026
The protostar doesn’t contract, though, since it’s still held up by gas pressure.
—
Big Think,
24 Apr. 2026
Lee, Johnstone, and their colleagues estimate the protostar may remain surrounded by its dust cloud for another 100,000 years.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for protostar
Cite this Entry
“Protostar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protostar. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
