English Explanatory Dictionary

Cepheid variable

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A radially pulsating (expanding and contracting) variable star with a regular period and known relationship between period and intrinsic brightness.

Word forms

Cepheid variable Cepheid variables

Etymology

From Latin Delta Cephei, the first such star identified. From Cepheus, the name of the constellation in which such stars were first discovered. From being a star with variable brightness.

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