Nova
WordNet
noun
(1) A star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and become more luminous in the process
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Feminine nominative singular of the Latin adjective novus (new). The feminine is used since the Latin word for star, stella is feminine; thus nova is a shortening of nova stella (new star).
Noun
- any sudden brightening of a previously inconspicuous star
See also
- plerion
- planetary nebula
- preplanetary nebula / protoplanetary nebula