galaxy

galaxy — noun

1. an enormous system of stars, planets, gas, and dust, held together by gravity in

1.名詞B2
釋義

an enormous system of stars, planets, gas, and dust, held together by gravity in space. The universe contains billions of such systems, each with millions or billions of stars.

例句

Nora used a telescope to observe a distant spiral galaxy.

collocation: spiral galaxy / distant galaxy — common adjective patterns

Astronomers estimate that the observable universe contains over a hundred billion galaxies.

同義詞
  • star system

    a more general term that can mean a star and its planets, not necessarily a galaxy

  • nebula

    a cloud of gas and dust in space — much smaller than a galaxy and part of one

文法句型

a galaxy

galaxies

the [adjective] Galaxy

用法筆記

Often described by shape: spiral galaxy, elliptical galaxy, or irregular galaxy. The shape depends on how the stars and gas are arranged.

常見錯誤

❌The Earth is in the Andromeda Galaxy.
✅The Earth is in the Milky Way Galaxy.
💡Andromeda is a separate galaxy billions of light-years away.

2. a group of very famous, wealthy, or highly talented people who have gathered in

2.名詞C1
釋義

a group of very famous, wealthy, or highly talented people who have gathered in one place — for example, movie stars at an award ceremony or leading scientists at an international conference.

例句

The awards ceremony attracted a galaxy of Hollywood stars and music icons.

pattern: a galaxy of + [notable people]

A galaxy of world leaders arrived in Paris for the climate summit.

同義詞
  • constellation

    also figurative for a group of famous people, but suggests a smaller, more select set

  • array

    a more neutral word for an impressive group, with less emphasis on fame

  • gathering

    general term for any group coming together, without the 'famous' connotation

文法句型

a galaxy of [famous people]

用法筆記

Used in singular form only ('a galaxy of…'). The noun that follows is usually a plural group of notable or accomplished people. This sense can also apply to things (a galaxy of talent, a galaxy of ideas), but the people-related use is most common.

常見錯誤

❌There was a galaxy of shoppers at the mall.
✅There was a galaxy of celebrities at the film premiere.
💡'galaxy' is reserved for outstanding or notable people, not just any large crowd.

3. the star system also called the Milky Way, which includes our Sun, Earth, and ev

3.名詞B1
釋義

the star system also called the Milky Way, which includes our Sun, Earth, and every other planet in our solar neighbourhood. Seen from a dark location on Earth, it appears as a bright band of light across the sky.

例句

On a clear night, Lara saw the Milky Way stretching across the dark sky above the mountains.

the Milky Way — visible as a band of light; always with 'the'

Our solar system lies in a spiral arm of the Galaxy, far from the bright centre.

同義詞

文法句型

the Galaxy

the Milky Way

用法筆記

Use 'the Galaxy' (capital G) or 'the Milky Way' when referring specifically to the system containing Earth. 'Milky Way' is the common name in everyday conversation; 'the Galaxy' is more formal. When used as a general term (sense 1), 'galaxy' is lower case.

常見錯誤

❌Our solar system is inside a galaxy called the Milky Way Galaxy.' (redundant)
✅Our solar system is inside the Milky Way.' OR '…inside the Galaxy.
💡'Milky Way' already implies a galaxy; there is no need to say 'Milky Way Galaxy' in most contexts.