star

noun

• 1a fixed luminous point in the night sky which is a large, remote incandescent body like the sun.

True stars were formerly known as the fixed stars, to distinguish them from the planets or wandering stars. They are gaseous spheres consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, there being an equilibrium between the compressional force of gravity and the outward pressure of radiation resulting from internal thermonuclear fusion reactions. Some six thousand stars are visible to the naked eye, but there are actually more than a hundred thousand million in our own Galaxy, while billions of other galaxies are known

• 2a conventional or stylized representation of a star, typically having five or more points:the walls were painted with silver moons and stars
• a star-shaped symbol used to indicate a category of excellence:the hotel has three stars [as modifier]:MPs suggested giving ferries star ratings
• an asterisk: the captain has a star against his name
• a white patch on the forehead of a horse or other animal.
• (also star connection) [usually as modifier] a Y-shaped arrangement of three-phase electrical windings.
• (also star network) [usually as modifier] a data or communication network in which all nodes are independently connected to one central unit: computers in a star layout

• 3a very famous or talented entertainer or sports player:a pop star [as modifier]:she got star treatment
• an outstandingly successful person or thing in a group:he’s a rising star in the party [as modifier]:Elinor was a star pupil

• 4 Astrology a planet, constellation, or configuration regarded as influencing a person’s fortunes or personality:his golf destiny was written in the stars
• (stars) informal a horoscope published in a newspaper or magazine:what do my stars say?

• 5used in names of starfishes and similar echinoderms with five or more radiating arms, e.g. cushion star, brittlestar.

verb (stars, starring, starred)

• 1(of a film, play, or other show) have (someone) as a principal performer:a film starring Liza Minnelli
• [no object] (of a performer) have a principal role in a film, play, or other show:McQueen had starred in such epics as The Magnificent Seven (as adjective starring)his first starring role
• [no object] perform exceptionally in a game or other event:Beckham starred in the win over Leeds

• 2decorate or cover with star-shaped marks or objects:thick grass starred with flowers
• mark (something) for special notice or recommendation with an asterisk or other star-shaped symbol:the activities listed below are starred according to their fitness ratings (as adjective, in combination -starred)Michelin-starred restaurants