Galaxy
/ˈɡæləksi/noun
A large system of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity.
Did you know?In ancient times, the Milky Way was thought to be the milk of the goddess Hera, representing both nourishment and the cosmos' mystical nature.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰel-
“to shine, to be bright”
Ancient Greek
Greek
γαλαξίας (galaxías)
“milky, pertaining to milk”
Latin
Latin
galaxias
“of or relating to the Milky Way”
Middle French
French
galaxie
“the Milky Way, the universe”
Modern English
English
galaxy
“a system of stars and celestial bodies, especially referring to the Milky Way”