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Definition of nova

nova

/ˈnoʊ.və/
no · va
Plural:novae
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nova Lexical Profile

nova Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A star in a binary system that suddenly increases thousands of times in brightness due to a thermonuclear explosion on its surface and then gradually fades back to its original intensity over weeks or months.

Example

"Astronomers pointed their telescopes toward the constellation to observe the newly discovered nova before its brightness faded."

2

American Cold-smoked,cured salmon, originally sourced from or prepared in the style of Nova Scotia, commonly served thinly sliced on bagels with cream cheese.

Example

"She ordered a toasted everything bagel topped with cream cheese, capers, and thinly sliced nova."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nova

Word Nuance & Usage

In astronomy, a 'nova' is distinct from a 'supernova': a nova involves a surface thermonuclear explosion on a white dwarf that leaves the star intact, whereas a supernova is a catastrophic explosion that destroys or collapses the star.

• Rhymes for nova

• Nearby Words

nourishingly
nourishment
nouveau
nova
novel
novelette
novelist

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nova. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nova
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