starburst

Meanings

1. A violent explosion, or the pattern (likened to the shape of a star) supposed to be made by such an explosion.
2. A symbol similar to an asterisk, but with additional rays: ✺.
3. A region of space with an unusually high rate of star formation.
4. A period in time during which a region of space experiences an unusually high rate of star formation.

1. To experience an unusually high rate of star formation.
2. To explode; to burst out violently via, or in such a manner as to cause, an explosion.
3. To make a starburst pattern.

Etymology

From star + burst.