a diffuse cloud of particles and gases (mainly hydrogen) that is visible either as a hazy patch of light (either an emission or a reflection nebula) or an irregular dark region against a brighter background (dark nebula)
Compare planetary nebula
2. pathology
a.
opacity of the cornea
b.
cloudiness of the urine
3.
any substance for use in an atomizer spray
Derived forms
nebular (ˈnebular)
adjective
Word origin
C17: from Latin: mist, cloud; related to Greek nephétē cloud, Old High German nebul cloud, Old Norse njól night
Examples of 'nebulae' in a sentence
nebulae
He told me about nebulae, towering clouds of luminous gas which float through space like vast jellyfish.
Isabel Wolff RESCUING ROSE (2002)
Not even nebulae and other deep-sky exotica thrill like the sight of planets.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Orion as a whole is a wonderful constellation, filled with clusters and nebulae.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Take a tour around distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters through the powerful telescopes at this public observing evening.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
When he began observing, nebulae were believed to be loose clouds of gas, and about 100 had been spotted.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The image quality was superb and even deep-space objects such as nebulae looked crisp with great contrast levels.