Ce·phe·id (s  f- d, s f-)n. Any of a class of intrinsically variable stars with exceptionally regular periods of light pulsation. [From Cepheus.] |
| Cepheid (sf-d, sf-) Any of a class of variable stars whose luminosity fluctuates with an extremely regular period. There is a strong correlation between the absolute magnitude of a Cepheid's luminosity and its period. By comparing the apparent magnitude of a Cepheid to the absolute magnitude corresponding to its period, it is possible to determine fairly accurately how distant the Cepheid is from Earth. Also called Cepheid variable. |
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