spiral galaxy

noun

: a galaxy exhibiting a central nucleus or barred structure from which extend curved arms of higher luminosity

called also spiral nebula

Examples of spiral galaxy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Also called the Southern Pinwheel, this spiral galaxy is a hotbed of star formation. Marta Hill, Scientific American, 16 June 2026 The Leo Triplet is made up of the spiral galaxies M65, M66 and NGC 3628, which are located about 30 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 June 2026 Approximately 60% of all galaxies are believed to be spiral galaxies (including the Milky Way, which contains Earth), and spiral galaxies contain most of the stars in the universe, per ESA. Staff Author, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026 Billions of years ago, a young spiral galaxy began to grow in a crowded part of the universe. Lisa Kewley, The Conversation, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiral galaxy

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiral galaxy was in 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Spiral galaxy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiral%20galaxy. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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