/gal"euhk see/ , n. , pl. galaxies .
1. Astron.
a. a large system of stars held together by mutual gravitation and isolated from similar systems by vast regions of space.
b. ( usually cap. ) See Milky Way .
2. any large and brilliant or impressive assemblage of persons or things: a galaxy of opera stars.
[ 1350-1400; ME galaxie, galaxias galaxia, galaxias, ult. galaxías kýklos the Milky Way; see GALACTO- ]