| the spiral galaxy containing our solar system. With the naked eye it is observed as a faint luminous band stretching across the heavens, composed of approximately a trillion stars, most of which are too distant to be seen individually. |
Milk·y Way  (mĭl'kē)  n. The galaxy containing the solar system, visible as a broad band of faint light in the night sky. [Middle English, translation of Latin via lactea : via, way + lactea, feminine of lacteus, milky.] |
