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noun Uncommon

nebula

NEHB-yuu-luh

Nebula (noun) means a vast cloud of gas and dust in space, often glowing or reflecting light from nearby stars. Example: “The telescope captured stunning colors in the Orion Nebula.”

noun
1
A vast cloud of gas and dust in space, often glowing or reflecting light from nearby stars.
"The telescope captured stunning colors in the Orion Nebula."
"New stars are often born inside a nebula."
2
Medical: a cloudy patch on the cornea of the eye.
"The nebula on his cornea slightly blurred his vision."

How to use nebula

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cloud-like formation of gas and dust in space, often where stars are forming.

Common pairings
the Orion Nebula a spiral nebula nebula cloud

Word forms

nebulae plural, nebulas plural, nebulæ plural

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The telescope captured stunning colors in the Orion _____.

Etymology

From Latin nebula, meaning "little cloud" or "mist."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for nebula

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Frequently asked questions

What does “nebula” mean?

The word “nebula” means a vast cloud of gas and dust in space, often glowing or reflecting light from nearby stars. In plain terms, a cloud-like formation of gas and dust in space, often where stars are forming.

How do you pronounce “nebula”?

“Nebula” is pronounced NEHB-yuu-luh (/ˈnɛbjʊlə/ in IPA).

How do you use “nebula” in a sentence?

Here is “nebula” used in a sentence: “The telescope captured stunning colors in the Orion Nebula.”

What part of speech is “nebula”?

“Nebula” is a noun.

Where does the word “nebula” come from?

The word “nebula” comes from Latin. From Latin nebula, meaning "little cloud" or "mist.".

Is “nebula” a common word?

“Nebula” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “nebula” have?

“Nebula” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vast cloud of gas and dust in space, often glowing or reflecting light from nearby stars.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial