[star] n, often attrib [ME sterre, fr. OE steorra; akin to OHG sterno star, L stella, Gk aster, astron] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a natural luminous body visible in the sky esp. at night b: a self-luminous gaseous celestial body of great mass which produces energy by means of nuclear fusion reactions, whose shape is usu. spheroidal, and whose size may be as small as the earth or larger than the earth's orbit
2. a (1): a planet or a configuration of the planets that is held in astrology to influence one's destiny or fortune--usu. used in pl. (2): a waxing or waning fortune or fame "her ~ was rising" b obs: destiny 3 a: a conventional figure with five or more points that represents a star; esp: 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 ~s"
5. a: the principal member of a theatrical or operatic company who usu. plays the chief roles b: a highly publicized theatrical or motion-picture performer c: an outstandingly talented performer "a track ~" d: a person who is preeminent in a particular field -- star.less adj -- star.like adj
[2]star vb starred ; star.ring vt (1718) 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 advertise or display prominently: feature "the movie ~s a famous stage personality" ~ vi 1: to play the most prominent or important role
2: to perform outstandingly [3]star adj (1832) 1: of, relating to, or being a star "received ~ billing"
2: of outstanding excellence: preeminent "a ~ athlete"