quiescence
9.9
A quiet phase of a galaxy with almost no new stars
- noun
- /kwɪˈɛsəns/
- Specialized
:
quiescencia
- In quiescence, it becomes clear that the normal-star components in these systems are low-mass stars, allowing unambiguous lower limits to be established for their unseen companions.
Examples
-
The comet's quiescence surprised scientists as it remained inactive for years before reappearing.
-
During its quiescence, the galaxy shows little activity, indicating a period of dormancy.
-
Astronomers studied the quiescence of the system to understand its lack of new star formation.
Synonyms
9.9
A time when a place or thing is quiet and not active
is specific to galaxies showing little or no star formation
Antonyms
How Active
starburst
1
8.1
- Specialized
1
8.1
quiescence
- Specialized
Surface Forms
quiescence singular
quiescences plural
Morphology
quiescence = quiescent (semi-transparent) = quiesc + ence
Formation from the adjective 'quiescent' to the noun 'quiescence' using the regular adjectival-to-nominal '-ence' pattern is straightforward.
Etymology
Quiescence comes from the Latin root quies meaning 'rest' and is related to the English word quiet. So, in astronomy quiescence means a galaxy or star system is 'quiet' or 'at rest', not making new stars.