# andromeda

/ænˈdɹɑmədə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/andromeda
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the galaxy

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the large group of stars that is closest to our own galaxy, the Milky Way.

For teachers: the nearest major spiral galaxy to the Milky Way, located approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth.

- On a very clear night, you can see Andromeda without using a telescope.
- Astronomers predict that Andromeda and the Milky Way will eventually collide in several billion years, merging into a single elliptical galaxy.

### 2. the constellation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a pattern of stars in the northern sky named after a princess from an old Greek story.

For teachers: a constellation of the northern sky, situated between Perseus and Pegasus, representing the mythological figure of the same name.

- The star chart helped the students locate Andromeda in the autumn sky.
- The Andromeda constellation contains several notable deep-sky objects, though it is most famous for housing the spiral galaxy that shares its name.

### 3. Greek mythology

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a princess in Greek myths who was rescued from a sea monster by the hero Perseus.

For teachers: the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia in Greek mythology, famously chained to a rock as a sacrifice before being rescued by Perseus.

- The painting shows Andromeda chained to a rock while Perseus flies to save her.
- The myth of Andromeda has inspired countless works of Western art, from Renaissance paintings to classical operas.

### 4. a type of plant

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a small evergreen bush with white or pink flowers that grows in gardens or wet areas.

For teachers: any shrub belonging to the genus Pieris or the species Andromeda polifolia, typically featuring leathery leaves and bell-shaped flowers.

- The gardener planted a row of Andromeda along the edge of the pond.
- Andromeda polifolia is a small evergreen shrub that thrives in peat bogs and acidic soil across northern temperate regions.

## Examples

- Andromeda is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way.
- On a very clear night away from city lights, you can spot Andromeda as a faint, fuzzy patch in the sky.
- Astronomers predict that Andromeda and the Milky Way will eventually collide in several billion years, merging to form a single, massive elliptical galaxy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.