double star
two stars that appear as one if not viewed through a telescope with adequate magnification, such as two stars that are separated by a great distance but are nearly in line with each other and an observer (optical double star ), or those that are relatively close together and comprise a single physical system (physical double star ).
Origin of double star
1- Compare binary star.
Words Nearby double star
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use double star in a sentence
This is a double star of the first magnitude, which, being only 30 from the south celestial pole, never rises in our latitudes.
Whenever you have a chance of looking at the heavens through a telescope, you should ask to be shown what is called a double star.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20) | VariousSome motion must, therefore, be going on in every genuine double star, whether we have been able to see that motion or not.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20) | VariousEspecially is this true in the case of two suns like those forming a double star.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20) | VariousThere is a particularly beautiful double star of this kind in the constellation of the Swan.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20) | Various
British Dictionary definitions for double star
two stars, appearing close together when viewed through a telescope; either physically associated (binary star) or not associated (optical double star): See also binary star, optical double star
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for double star
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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