Cepheid (redirected from Cepheid variables)

Ce·phe·id  (sf-d, sf-)

n.

Any of a class of intrinsically variable stars with exceptionally regular periods of light pulsation.

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[From Cepheus.]

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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.