noun
Nova
noun
1
A star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a period before fading back.
"Astronomers spotted a nova flare up in the night sky."
How to Use Nova
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA star that flares up dramatically in brightness, then dims again.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with a "supernova," which is a far more violent, star-destroying explosion.
Easily confused with
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Astronomers spotted a _____ flare up in the night sky.
Etymology
From Latin nova, "new," describing a star that appears newly bright.