Quasar
/ˈkweɪ.zɑːr/noun
A massive and remote celestial object, emitting exceptionally large amounts of energy.
Did you know?The term 'quasar' combines 'quasi-stellar' and was coined in the 1960s, marking a pivotal moment in our grasp of cosmic phenomena.
Etymological Timeline
20th Century
English
quasar
“A term derived from 'quasi-stellar radio source', referring to an astronomical object resembling a star but emitting radio waves.”
1950s
English
quasi-stellar
“A combination of 'quasi', meaning 'as if' or 'resembling', and 'stellar', relating to stars.”
Greek
Greek
ἀστὴρ (astēr)
“Meaning 'star', representing the celestial bodies that quasars resemble.”
Latin
Latin
quasi
“Meaning 'as if' or 'almost', highlighting the nature of quasars as star-like.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*(s)teʰr̥
“The ancient root meaning 'to shine' or 'star', connecting to the luminous aspect of quasars.”