starburst

== English == === Etymology === From star +‎ burst. === Pronunciation === === Noun === starburst (plural starbursts) A violent explosion, or the pattern (likened to the shape of a star) supposed to be made by such an explosion. (typography) A symbol similar to an asterisk, but with additional rays: ✺. (astronomy) A region of space with an unusually high rate of star formation. (astronomy) A period in time during which a region of space experiences an unusually high rate of star formation. ==== Derived terms ==== Mombasa golden starburst tarantula poststarburst starburst display starburst galaxy ==== Translations ==== === Verb === starburst (third-person singular simple present starbursts, present participle starbursting, simple past and past participle starbursted) (astronomy, of a region of space) To experience an unusually high rate of star formation. To explode; to burst out violently via, or in such a manner as to cause, an explosion. To make a starburst pattern.