superclustern.
/ˈsuːpəˌklʌstə/, /ˈsjuːpəˌklʌstə/, U.S. /ˈsupərˌkləstər/ A cluster of objects or entities that are themselves clusters; (Astronomy) a cluster of groups or clusters of galaxies.In a galactic supercluster the gravitational attraction of the individual clusters is exceeded by the disruptive effects of the expansion of the universe.In quot. 1924: a cluster of groups of stars.See also Local Supercluster n. at local adj. and n. Compounds.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > constellation > star-cluster > [noun]
cluster1728
star cluster1829
stardust1836
star cloud1839
moving cluster1908
supercluster1924
the world > the universe > constellation > galaxy > [noun] > cluster of galaxies
cluster1728
supergalaxy1916
metagalaxy1930
supercluster1954
1924 H. Dingle Mod. Astrophysics xvii. 347 What is our own galactic system; is it a super-cluster, similar in all essential characteristics to other clusters, but much larger?
1954 G. Gamow in Sci. Amer. Mar. 56 We have to assume that there are other giant clusters [of galaxies], and that they are combined in superclusters, and these in turn in super-superclusters, and so on without end.
1982 Daily Tel. 1 Dec. 1/6 The largest-known object in the universe, a supercluster of millions of galaxies, has been discovered.
1989 Times 15 Feb. 16/5 When the density of clusters..exceeds a certain value, the zeolite changes colour as the clusters link up electronically into a single, large ‘supercluster’.
1991 FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 77 6/1 Species of the genera Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus and Streptococcus form a phylogenetic supercluster within the so-called ‘clostridia’ sub-branch of the Gram-positive eubacteria.
2008 New Scientist 31 May 9/4 His team focused on the regions surrounding over 50 superclusters and 50 supervoids, where you would expect to see the biggest effect.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1924