stellar
/ˈstɛl.ər/
adjective
Origin
Latin
stella — star
Overview
Meaning Now
- Relating to or consisting of stars.
- Exceptionally good; outstanding or of high quality.
Literal older meaning
of or pertaining to a star
Language path
Proto-Indo-European → Latin → English
Earliest form
stellaris
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term entered the English language during the Scientific Revolution, primarily used in astronomical contexts to describe celestial phenomena before later extending into metaphorical usage for excellence.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*h₂stḗr
“star”
- Latin
stella
“star”
Derived from *ster-la
- Late Latin
stellaris
“pertaining to a star”
- English
stellar
“star-like; relating to stars”
Borrowed into English in the 17th century.
Connections
Word parts
stell
root
star
ar
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
French
stellaire
stellar
Italian
stellare
stellar
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.