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noun

sunspot

SUN-spot
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Sunspot (noun) means a region on the sun's surface that is cooler than the area around it and has intense magnetic activity. Example: “Astronomers track each sunspot as it moves across the face of the sun.”

noun
1
A region on the sun's surface that is cooler than the area around it and has intense magnetic activity.
"Astronomers track each sunspot as it moves across the face of the sun."
"A large sunspot can be seen through a telescope fitted with a proper solar filter."
"The sunspot looked dark because it was cooler than the surface around it."

How to use sunspot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cooler, darker patch on the surface of the sun.

When to use it

It is a standard word, most often used in astronomy and science writing.

Memory tip

Say the stress on the first syllable: SUN-spot.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a large sunspot sunspot activity observe a sunspot a group of sunspots
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Astronomers track each _____ as it moves across the face of the sun.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the English words sun and spot.

Origin: English

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What is a sunspot?
A sunspot is a region on the sun's surface that is cooler than its surroundings and has intense magnetic activity.
Why do sunspots look dark?
They have a lower temperature than the surface around them, so they appear darker by comparison.
Is sunspot one word or two?
It is written as one word, and the plural is sunspots.
What is the meaning of sunspot?
"sunspot" (noun) means a region on the sun's surface that is cooler than the area around it and has intense magnetic activity.

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