(Astronomy) a variable star that undergoes a cataclysmic eruption, observed as a sudden large increase in brightness with a subsequent decline over months or years; it is a close binary system with one component a white dwarf. Compare supernova
[C19: New Latin nova (stella) new (star), from Latin novus new]
A white dwarf star that suddenly becomes extremely bright as a result of the explosion on its surface of material taken from a nearby star. It gradually returns to its original brightness over a period of weeks to years. Compare supernova.
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