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