n. pl. gal·ax·ies 1. Astronomy a. Any of numerous large-scale aggregates of stars, gas, and dust that constitute the universe, containing an average of 100 billion (1011) solar masses and ranging in diameter from 1,500 to 300,000 light-years. b. often Galaxy The Milky Way. 2. An assembly of brilliant, glamorous, or distinguished persons or things: a galaxy of theatrical performers. [Middle English galaxie, the Milky Way, from Late Latin galaxiās, from Greek, from gala, galakt-, milk; see melg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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