Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Galaxy
Gal′ax-y
,Noun.
pl.
Galaxies
(#)
. [F.
galaxie
, L. galaxias
, fr. Gr. [GREEK] (sc. [GREEK] circle), fr. [GREEK], [GREEK], milk; akin to L. lac
. Cf. Lacteal
.] 1.
(Astron.)
1.
The Milky Way, that luminous tract, or belt, which is seen at night stretching across the heavens, and which is composed of innumerable stars, so distant and blended as to be distinguishable only with the telescope.
Nichol.
Webster 1828 Edition
Galaxy
GAL'AXY
,Noun.
1.
The milky way; that long, white, luminous track which seems to encompass the heavens like a girdle. This luminous appearance is found by the telescope to be occasioned by a multitude of stars, so small as not to be distinguished by the naked eye.2.
An assemblage of splendid persons or things.