noun
Common
Nova
Nova (noun) means a star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a period before fading back. Example: “Astronomers spotted a nova flare up in the night sky.”
noun
1
A star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a period before fading back.
"Astronomers spotted a nova flare up in the night sky."
How to use Nova
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA star that flares up dramatically in brightness, then dims again.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with a "supernova," which is a far more violent, star-destroying explosion.
Easily confused with
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Astronomers spotted a _____ flare up in the night sky.
Etymology
From Latin nova, "new," describing a star that appears newly bright.
Rhymes for Nova
See all rhymes for Nova →Frequently asked questions
What does “Nova” mean?
The word “Nova” means a star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a period before fading back. In plain terms, a star that flares up dramatically in brightness, then dims again.
How do you use “Nova” in a sentence?
Here is “Nova” used in a sentence: “Astronomers spotted a nova flare up in the night sky.”
What part of speech is “Nova”?
“Nova” is a noun.
Where does the word “Nova” come from?
The word “Nova” comes from Latin. From Latin nova, "new," describing a star that appears newly bright.
Is “Nova” a common word?
“Nova” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a nova and a supernova?
A nova is a star that suddenly grows much brighter for a time before fading back to its normal state. A supernova is a far more powerful and catastrophic stellar explosion, releasing vastly more energy and often destroying the star itself.
What is the plural of nova?
The plural of nova can be written as "novae" or "novas." The form "novae" follows the Latin pattern, while "novas" is the regular English plural.
Is a nova the same as a shooting star?
No. A nova is a star that temporarily brightens and then dims again, whereas a shooting star is a meteor, a small piece of debris burning up in the atmosphere.
Does a nova destroy the star?
No, a nova involves a star brightening dramatically and then fading back, so the star survives the event. This distinguishes it from a supernova, which is a far more destructive explosion.
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