protostar
noun
pro·to·star
ˈprō-tō-ˌstär 
: a cloud of gas and dust in space believed to develop into a star
Examples of protostar in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Using data from ground and space telescopes, the researchers were able to pinpoint the moment when the first specks of planet-forming material began to coalesce around the protostar.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 18 July 2025
The images and data captured the hot region around the protostar where Earth-like planets form, and show gaseous silicon monoxide condensing into solid silicate minerals—the same materials that make up the vast majority of Earth’s crust.
—Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025
The protostar is located in the Orion B molecular cloud, around 1,300 light-years from Earth, according to the paper, and is positioned in a way that allows a direct view of its inner gaseous disk.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 July 2025
This material is eventually flattened out into a swirling disk with the protostar at its heart.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for protostar
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.
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 18 July 2025
The images and data captured the hot region around the protostar where Earth-like planets form, and show gaseous silicon monoxide condensing into solid silicate minerals—the same materials that make up the vast majority of Earth’s crust.
—Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025
The protostar is located in the Orion B molecular cloud, around 1,300 light-years from Earth, according to the paper, and is positioned in a way that allows a direct view of its inner gaseous disk.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 July 2025
This material is eventually flattened out into a swirling disk with the protostar at its heart.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for protostar
Cite this Entry
“Protostar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protostar. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share