Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

neutron-star

noun

/ˈnjuːtrɒn stɑːr/

Definition

A neutron star is a type of astronomical object that forms when a massive star undergoes a supernova explosion, collapsing under its own gravity and becoming incredibly dense.

Examples

The neutron star emitted X-rays that helped astronomers study its properties.
As the remnants of a supernova, neutron stars are the densest objects known in the universe.

Meaning

Neutron stars are composed mostly of neutrons and are one of the smallest and densest stellar objects in the universe, typically measuring about 20 kilometers in diameter but containing a mass greater than that of the Sun.