star

I. noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English sterre, from Old English steorra; akin to Old High German sterno star, Latin stella, Greek astēr, 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

>