extragalactic nebula

/ˌˈɛkstrəgəˌlæktɪk ˌnɛbjələ/

Definitions of extragalactic nebula

1. noun

   (astronomy) a collection of star systems; any of the billions of systems each having many stars and nebulae and dust
   “`extragalactic nebula' is a former name for `galaxy'”

   synonyms: galaxy

   examples:

   Magellanic Cloud

   either of two small galaxies orbiting the Milky Way; visible near the south celestial pole

   types:

   spiral galaxy, spiral nebula

   a galaxy having a spiral structure; arms containing younger stars spiral out from old stars at the center

   Great Attractor

   a massive grouping of galaxies in the direction of Centaurus and Hydra whose gravitational attraction is believed to cause deviations in the paths of other galaxies

   Milky Way, Milky Way Galaxy, Milky Way System

   the galaxy containing the solar system; consists of millions of stars that can be seen as a diffuse band of light stretching across the night sky

   Andromeda galaxy

   a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Andromeda that is visible to the naked eye

   type of:

   accumulation, aggregation, assemblage, collection

   several things grouped together or considered as a whole