Definition of "galaxy" []

• 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. Also called nebula. (noun)
• The Milky Way. (noun)
• An assembly of brilliant, glamorous, or distinguished persons or things: a galaxy of theatrical performers. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The term galaxy comes from the Greek root galakt, which means "milk" (a reference to our own Milky Way)."
• "At the centre of the galaxy is a strange zone called the Void, protected by an Event Horizon."
• "Believing in the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy is another matter."