Definition of "star" []

• A self-luminous celestial body consisting of a mass of gas held together by its own gravity in which the energy generated by nuclear reactions in the interior is balanced by the outflow of energy to the surface, and the inward-directed gravitational forces are balanced by the outward-directed gas and radiation pressures. (noun)
• Any of the celestial bodies visible at night from Earth as relatively stationary, usually twinkling points of light. (noun)
• Something regarded as resembling such a celestial body. (noun)
• A graphic design having five or more radiating points, often used as a symbol of rank or merit. (noun)
• An artistic performer or athlete whose leading role or superior performance is acknowledged. (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.

• "When the sea of bodies finally parted, it made sense: two Gossip Girl guys + one movie star + one television star+ one Olsen twin = total chaos."
• "[Footnote 238: "At night the savages direct their course by the polar star; they call it the _motionless star_."
• "There was a time, not so long ago, when the term "star hedge-fund manager" had a legitimate place in the investment lexicon."