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intergalactic space

intergalactic space

1 7.5
The area between separate galaxies in the universe
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntərɡəˈlæktɪk speɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : espacio intergaláctico
  • But we can then ask, is intergalactic space nothing?

But we can then ask, is intergalactic space nothing?

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Examples

  • Radio astronomers can regard the wider intergalactic space beyond the clusters as a new frontier.

    Academic text (2002)
  • But researchers still expect to see traces of the primordial elements if they look far out in intergalactic space, at distances corresponding to the earliest times.

    Academic text (1995)
  • So what's in intergalactic space?

    Blog text (4)
  • Such a high energy density, they argued, could not possibly apply to intergalactic space.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Is a quantum vacuum possible in intergalactic space or anywhere else?

  • On their way out into intergalactic space, perhaps some unknown mechanism would cause them to generate bursts.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Deep intergalactic space, where the large-scale structures began to form, is a cosmic desert.

    Academic text (1996)
  • If, however, intergalactic space contains only those cosmic rays with the highest energies, the energy problem is not as difficult.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The quasar has since shut down, but its radiation is still plowing through intergalactic space and energizing the matter in its path.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The spacecraft traveled through intergalactic space for years before reaching the nearest galaxy.

How Far

intergalactic space
  • Specialized
1 7.5
interstellar space
  • Specialized
4 6.0
interplanetary space
  • Specialized
1 7.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

intergalactic + space

The meaning 'the region between separate galaxies' is directly and transparently composed from 'intergalactic' (pertaining to between galaxies) plus 'space' (the cosmos). The inter- prefix and 'galactic' component make the relationship explicit and cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Intergalactic space comes from inter- meaning 'between' and galactic meaning 'of galaxies', so it literally means the empty space between galaxies. Imagine two islands with dark water between them, and that empty water is like intergalactic space, so the term means 'the region of space that lies between separate galaxies'.