asteroseismology

noun

as·​tero·​seis·​mol·​o·​gy ˌa-stə-(ˌ)rō-sīz-ˈmä-lə-jē 

-sīs-

: the study of vibrations in the material that makes up stars

Also covered is the development of asteroseismology, including the impressive results obtained from analysis of oscillations of white dwarfs, and the early results from emerging studies of solar-like oscillations in other stars.

—Jorgen Christensen-Dalsgaard, Nature, 8 Jan. 2004

asteroseismologist

ˌa-stə-(ˌ)rō-sīz-ˈmä-lə-jist 

-sīs-

noun

plural asteroseismologists

Asteroseismologists measure the rhythmic flickers of stars, which act a bit like the star's pulse, to determine the mass, diameter, age and even the inner composition of the star.

—Laura Snider, Daily Camera (Boulder, Colorado), 26 Oct. 2010

Word History

Etymology

astero- + seismology (after helioseismology "the study of solar oscillations")

Note: The word was used, if not introduced, by the British astronomer Douglas Gough in "Oscillations as a probe of the Sun's interior," Nature, vol. 304/no. 5928 (August 25, 1983), pp. 689-90; the article is a report on a conference with the same title held at the University of Catania on June 20-24, 1983.

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now