Magellanic cloud

Magellanic Cloud

(ˌmæɡɪˈlænɪk) n (Celestial Objects) either of two small irregular galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud (Nubecula Major) and the Small Magellanic Cloud (Nubecula Minor), lying near the S celestial pole; they are probably satellites of the Galaxy. Distances: 163 000 light years (Large), 196 000 light years (Small)

Mag′ellan′ic cloud′

n. either of two small galaxies in the S skies: nearest independent star systems to the Milky Way. [1675–85]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Magellanic Cloud - either of two small galaxies orbiting the Milky Way; visible near the south celestial poleLarge Magellanic Cloud - the larger of the two Magellanic Clouds visible from the southern hemisphereSmall Magellanic Cloud - the smaller of the two Magellanic Clouds visible from the southern hemisphere