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quasi-stellar radio source

quasi-stellar radio source

9.9
A bright object far away in space that looks like a star and sends strong radio waves
  • noun
  • /ˈkwɑːziˈstɛlər ˈreɪdioʊ sɔrs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : fuente de radio cuasi estelar
  • The name quasar, shorthand for "quasi-stellar radio source," implies the uncertainty about their nature.

Examples

  • The discovery of quasi-stellar radio sources has changed our understanding of the universe's structure.

  • Quasars, also known as quasi-stellar radio sources, are found billions of light-years away from Earth.

  • Scientists study quasi-stellar radio sources to learn more about the early stages of galaxy formation.

Synonyms

quasar
vsquasi-stellar radio source
  • Specialized
13 9.9

A very bright object in space, like a star, powered by a black hole

is the older star-like radio name for that same object
radio source
vsquasi-stellar radio source
  • Specialized
1 6.7

An object in space that sends out radio waves we can detect

is a specific star-like emitter that also gives off other strong energy

How Radio-Loud

blazar
  • Specialized
3 9.9
quasi-stellar radio source
  • Archaic
9.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

quasi-stellar + radio + source

The phrase is compositionally built: 'quasi-stellar' means 'star-like' or 'resembling a star', 'radio' refers to radio (electromagnetic) waves, and 'source' means origin. Put together a learner who knows these constituents can infer it denotes a star-like object that emits radio waves (i.e., a quasar), so the meaning is directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

The name quasi-stellar radio source comes from early space research. Scientists saw tiny bright points that looked like stars but sent out very strong radio waves. The parts quasi-stellar ('almost a star') and radio source ('thing that makes radio waves') give a clear picture: a star-like object that made powerful radio signals, and this object later became known as 'quasar'.