starburst

noun

1. A violent explosion, or the pattern (likened to the shape of a star) supposed to be made by such an explosion.

2. (typography) A symbol similar to an asterisk, but with additional rays: ✺.

3. (astronomy) A region of space with an unusually high rate of star formation.

4. (astronomy) A period in time during which a region of space experiences an unusually high rate of star formation.

- the Milky Way will see a starburst in approximately 200

verb

1. (astronomy, of a region of space) To experience an unusually high rate of star formation.