red dwarf

noun

: a star having substantially lower surface temperature, intrinsic luminosity, mass, and size than the sun

Examples of red dwarf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thankfully, there's another option: planets around red dwarf stars. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 Feb. 2025 The spectra also showed the red dwarf’s glow was mixed with blue light. Bydaniel Clery, science.org, 4 Dec. 2024 The potential problem here is that red dwarfs spend a long time dimming during their early phases, which means planets in their habitable zone may have originally been too close to the star and, therefore, too hot. Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 That is the result of the unusual characteristics of their tiny and cool host red dwarf star, which can mimic atmospheric signals that are already weak and hard to detect. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for red dwarf

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red dwarf was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Red dwarf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20dwarf. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

red dwarf

noun
: a star having much lower surface temperature, brightness, mass, and size than the sun

More from Merriam-Webster on red dwarf

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!