Adjacent Words

Star definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

STAR, n.
1. An apparently small luminous body in the heavens, that appears in the night, or when its light is not obscured by clouds or lost in the brighter effulgence of the sun. Stars are fixed or planetary. The fixed stars are known by their perpetual twinkling, and by their being always in the same position in relation to each other. The planets do not twinkle, and they revolve about the sun. The stars are worlds, and their immense numbers exhibit the astonishing extent of creation and of divine power.
2. The pole-star. [A particular application, not in use.]
3. In astrology, a configuration of the planets, supposed to influence fortune. Hence the expression, You may thank your stars for such and such an event.
A pair of star-crossd lovers.
4. The figure of a star; a radiated mark in writing or printing; an asterisk; thus*; used as a reference to a note in the margin, or to fill a blank in writing or printing where letters are omitted.
5. In Scripture, Christ is called the bright and morning star, the star that ushers in the light of an eternal day to his people. Revelations 22. Ministers are also called stars in Christs right hand, as, being supported and directed by Christ, they convey light and knowledge to the followers of Christ. Revelations 1. The twelve stars which form the crown of the church, are the twelve apostles. Revelations 12.
6. The figure of a star; a badge of rank; as stars and garters.
The pole-star, a bright star in the tail of Ursa minor, so called from its being very near the north pole.
Star of Bethlehem, a flower and plant of the genus Ornithogalum. There is also the star of Alexandria, and of Naples, and of Constantinople, of the same genus.
STAR, v.t. To set or adorn with stars or bright radiating bodies; to bespangle; as a robe starred with gems.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

adj
1: indicating the most important performer or role; "the leading man"; "prima ballerina"; "prima donna"; "a star figure skater"; "the starring role"; "a stellar role"; "a stellar performance" [syn: leading, prima, star, starring, stellar] n
1: (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
2: someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field [syn: ace, adept, champion, sensation, maven, mavin, virtuoso, genius, hotshot, star, superstar, whiz, whizz, wizard, wiz]
3: any celestial body visible (as a point of light) from the Earth at night
4: an actor who plays a principal role [syn: star, principal, lead]
5: a plane figure with 5 or more points; often used as an emblem
6: a performer who receives prominent billing [syn: headliner, star]
7: a star-shaped character * used in printing [syn: asterisk, star]
8: the topology of a network whose components are connected to a hub [syn: star topology, star] v
1: feature as the star; "The movie stars Dustin Hoffman as an autistic man"
2: be the star in a performance
3: mark with an asterisk; "Linguists star unacceptable sentences" [syn: star, asterisk]

Merriam Webster's

I. noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English sterre, from Old English steorra; akin to Old High German sterno star, Latin stella, Greek ast?r, astron Date: before 12th century 1. a. a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night b. a self-luminous gaseous spheroidal celestial body of great mass which produces energy by means of nuclear fusion reactions 2. a. (1) a planet or a configuration of the planets that is held in astrology to influence one's destiny or fortune — usually used in plural (2) a waxing or waning fortune or fame <her star was rising> b. obsolete destiny 3. a. a conventional figure with five or more points that represents a star; especially asterisk b. an often star-shaped ornament or medal worn as a badge of honor, authority, or rank or as the insignia of an order c. one of a group of conventional stars used to place something in a scale of value 4. something resembling a star <was hit on the head and saw stars> 5. a. the principal member of a theatrical or operatic company who usually plays the chief roles b. a highly publicized theatrical or motion-picture performer c. an outstandingly talented performer <a track star> d. a person who is preeminent in a particular field • starless adjective • starlike adjective II. verb (starred; starring) Date: 1718 transitive verb 1. to sprinkle or adorn with stars 2. a. to mark with a star as being preeminent b. to mark with an asterisk 3. to feature in the most prominent or important role <the movie stars a famous stage personality> intransitive verb 1. to play the most prominent or important role 2. to perform outstandingly III. adjective Date: 1821 1. of, relating to, or being a star <received star billing> 2. of outstanding excellence ; preeminent <a star athlete>

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. & v. --n. 1 a celestial body appearing as a luminous point in the night sky. 2 (in full fixed star) such a body so far from the earth as to appear motionless (cf. PLANET, COMET). 3 a large naturally luminous gaseous body such as the sun is. 4 a celestial body regarded as influencing a person's fortunes etc. (born under a lucky star). 5 a thing resembling a star in shape or appearance. 6 a star-shaped mark, esp. a white mark on a horse's forehead. 7 a figure or object with radiating points esp. as the insignia of an order, as a decoration or mark of rank, or showing a category of excellence (a five-star hotel; was awarded a gold star). 8 a a famous or brilliant person; the principal or most prominent performer in a play, film, etc. (the star of the show). b (attrib.) outstanding; particularly brilliant ( star pupil). 9 (in full star connection) Electr. a Y-shaped arrangement of three-phase windings. 10 = star prisoner. --v. (starred, starring) 1 a tr. (of a film etc.) feature as a principal performer. b intr. (of a performer) be featured in a film etc. 2 (esp. as starred adj.) a mark, set, or adorn with a star or stars. b put an asterisk or star beside (a name, an item in a list, etc.). Phrases and idioms: my stars! colloq. an expression of surprise. star-apple an edible purple apple-like fruit (with a starlike cross-section) of a tropical evergreen tree, Chrysophyllum cainito. Star Chamber Brit. Law 1 hist. a court of civil and criminal jurisdiction noted for its arbitrary procedure, and abolished in 1640. 2 any arbitrary or oppressive tribunal. star-crossed archaic ill-fated. star fruit = CARAMBOLA. star-gaze 1 gaze at or study the stars. 2 gaze intently. star-gazer 1 colloq. usu. derog. or joc. an astronomer or astrologer. 2 Austral. sl. a horse that turns its head when galloping. star of Bethlehem any of various plants with starlike flowers esp. Ornithogalum umbellatum with white star-shaped flowers striped with green on the outside (see Matt.
2:9). Star of David a figure consisting of two interlaced equilateral triangles used as a Jewish and Israeli symbol. star prisoner Brit. sl. a convict serving a first prison sentence. star route US a postal delivery route served by private contractors. Stars and Bars the flag of the Confederate States of the US. Stars and Stripes the national flag of the US. star sapphire a cabochon sapphire reflecting a star-like image due to its regular internal structure. star shell an explosive projectile designed to burst in the air and light up the enemy's position. star-spangled (esp. of the US national flag) covered or glittering with stars. star stream a systematic drift of stars. star-studded containing or covered with many stars, esp. featuring many famous performers. star turn the principal item in an entertainment or performance. Star Wars colloq. the strategic defence initiative. Derivatives: stardom n. starless adj. starlike adj. Etymology: OE steorra f. Gmc

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Star Star (st[aum]r), n. [OE. sterre, AS. steorra; akin to OFries. stera, OS. sterro, D. ster, OHG. sterno, sterro, G. stern, Icel. stjarna, Sw. stjerna, Dan. stierne, Goth. sta['i]rn[=o], Armor. & Corn. steren, L. stella, Gr. 'asth`r, 'a`stron, Skr. star; perhaps from a root meaning, to scatter, Skr. st[.r], L. sternere (cf. Stratum), and originally applied to the stars as being strewn over the sky, or as being scatterers or spreaders of light. [root]296. Cf. Aster, Asteroid, Constellation, Disaster, Stellar.] 1. One of the innumerable luminous bodies seen in the heavens; any heavenly body other than the sun, moon, comets, and nebul[ae]. His eyen twinkled in his head aright, As do the stars in the frosty night. --Chaucer. Note: The stars are distinguished as planets, and fixed stars. See Planet, Fixed stars under Fixed, and Magnitude of a star under Magnitude. 2. The polestar; the north star. --Shak. 3. (Astrol.) A planet supposed to influence one's destiny; (usually pl.) a configuration of the planets, supposed to influence fortune. O malignant and ill-brooding stars. --Shak. Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury. --Addison. 4. That which resembles the figure of a star, as an ornament worn on the breast to indicate rank or honor. On whom . . . Lavish Honor showered all her stars. --Tennyson. 5. Specifically, a radiated mark in writing or printing; an asterisk [thus, *]; -- used as a reference to a note, or to fill a blank where something is omitted, etc. 6. (Pyrotechny) A composition of combustible matter used in the heading of rockets, in mines, etc., which, exploding in the air, presents a starlike appearance. 7. A person of brilliant and attractive qualities, especially on public occasions, as a distinguished orator, a leading theatrical performer, etc. Note: Star is used in the formation of compound words generally of obvious signification: as, star-aspiring, star-bespangled, star-bestudded, star-blasting, star-bright, star-crowned, star-directed, star-eyed, star-headed, star-paved, star-roofed; star-sprinkled, star-wreathed.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Star Star, v. i. To be bright, or attract attention, as a star; to shine like a star; to be brilliant or prominent; to play a part as a theatrical star.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Star Star (st[aum]r), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Starred (st[aum]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Starring.] To set or adorn with stars, or bright, radiating bodies; to bespangle; as, a robe starred with gems. ``A sable curtain starred with gold.'' --Young.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(stars, starring, starred) Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English. 1. A star is a large ball of burning gas in space. Stars appear to us as small points of light in the sky on clear nights. The night was dark, the stars hidden behind cloud. N-COUNT see also morning star, shooting star 2. You can refer to a shape or an object as a star when it has four, five, or more points sticking out of it in a regular pattern. Children at school receive coloured stars for work well done. N-COUNT 3. You can say how many stars something such as a hotel or restaurant has as a way of talking about its quality, which is often indicated by a number of star-shaped symbols. The more stars something has, the better it is. ...five star hotels. N-COUNT 4. Famous actors, musicians, and sports players are often referred to as stars. ...Gemma, 41, star of the TV series Pennies From Heaven... By now Murphy is Hollywood's top male comedy star... Not all football stars are ill-behaved louts. N-COUNT: oft supp N 5. If an actor or actress stars in a play or film, he or she has one of the most important parts in it. The previous year Adolphson had starred in a play in which Ingrid had been an extra... VERB: V in n 6. If a play or film stars a famous actor or actress, he or she has one of the most important parts in it. ...a Hollywood film, The Secret of Santa Vittoria, directed by Stanley Kramer and starring Anthony Quinn. VERB: V n 7. Predictions about people's lives which are based on astrology and appear regularly in a newspaper or magazine are sometimes referred to as the stars. There was nothing in my stars to say I'd have travel problems! = horoscope N-PLURAL

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

n. 1. Heavenly body, luminary. 2. Asterisk, figure of a star. 3. Fate, fortune, destiny, lot, doom. 4. Eminent person (particularly an eminent actor).

Moby Thesaurus

A per se, Aldebaran, Canicula, Dog Star, Hershey bar, Hesper, Hesperus, Lucifer, North Star, Phosphor, Phosphorus, Polaris, Sirius, VIP, Venus, Vesper, accent, accentuate, ace, act, act as foil, amount to something, appear, arch, aviation badge, badge, banner, bar, barnstorm, be a gas, be a hit, be featured, be prominent, be somebody, be something, belabor, big name, big shot, bill, blue ribbon, bomb, boss, brilliant, candle, capital, cardinal, carry weight, celeb, celebrated, celebrity, celestial body, central, champion, chevron, chicken, chief, cock, come first, come out, comer, comet, commander, constellation, cordon, cordon bleu, count, crackerjack, crowning, cut ice, cut some ice, cynosure, danseur noble, daystar, dean, decoration, decoration of honor, dignitary, distinguished, diva, dominant, dramatize, dwell on, eagle, electric light bulb, electronics king, eminent, emote, emotionalize, emphasize, epaulet, evening star, fail, famed, famous, feature, feature attraction, figure, fire, first, first tragedian, first-rater, fixed stars, flame, flop, focal, folk hero, foremost, fugleman, galaxy, garter, genius, get top billing, give emphasis to, glim, gold star, good hand, grand cordon, great, great man, harp on, hash mark, head, headline, headliner, headmost, heavenly body, heavy lead, hegemonic, hero, heroine, higher-up, highlight, honcho, idol, illuminant, illuminator, illustrious, immortal, import, important, important person, incandescent body, incomparable, inimitable, insignia of branch, italicize, jeune premier, king, lamp, lantern, laureate, lead, leader, leading, leading lady, leading light, leading man, light, light bulb, light source, lion, living sapphires, lodestar, luminant, luminaries, luminary, magician, magisterial, mahatma, main, major, make a hit, man of genius, man of mark, master, master hand, master spirit, mastermind, match, matchless, matter, melodramatize, mime, moon, morning star, mount, name, nonpareil, notability, notable, nova, oak leaf, open, open a show, orb, order, organization insignia, ornament, outrank, outstanding, overaccentuate, overemphasize, overruling, overseas bar, overstress, pantomime, parachute badge, paragon, paramount, past master, patch, patter, peerless, perform, person of note, personage, pip, place emphasis on, play, play first fiddle, play the lead, playact, pleiad, point up, polar star, polestar, pop hero, popular hero, popular idol, practiced hand, precede, predominant, preeminent, premiere, preponderant, present, prevailing, preview, prima ballerina, prima donna, primal, primary, prime, principal, prodigy, produce, prominent, protagonist, public figure, punctuate, put on, rank, rank first, rank out, ranking, red ribbon, register, riband, ribbon, rub in, ruler, ruling, sage, scenarize, senior, service stripe, set the stage, shooting star, shoulder patch, shoulder sleeve insignia, signify, singer, sketch, skilled hand, social lion, somebody, source of light, sovereign, sphere, spotlight, spread eagle, stage, stand out, starry host, stars, steal the show, stellar, stooge, stress, stripe, submarine badge, succeed, success, sun, supereminent, superior, superman, supernova, superstar, take precedence, taper, tell, the greatest, the most, theatricalize, top, top dog, topflight, topnotcher, torch, tread the boards, troupe, try out, underline, underscore, unmatched, unparalleled, upstage, victor, virtuoso, weigh, whiz, winner, wizard, wonder, worthy