Word
astrophysical
Phoneticsas·tro·phys·i·cal
UK/ˌæstɹəfˈɪzɪkəl/
Definition
adj. about stars, planets, and space and how they work through physics.
adj. relating to the physical properties and processes of stars, planets, and other objects in space, as studied in astrophysics.
Examples
“She studies astrophysical data about distant stars.”
“The team uses astrophysical models to predict how the supernova will fade over the next year.”
“Recent astrophysical observations suggest that magnetic fields shape galaxy formation more strongly than earlier theories allowed.”
Examples
simple
“She studies astrophysical data about distant stars.”
contextual
“The team uses astrophysical models to predict how the supernova will fade over the next year.”
complex
“Recent astrophysical observations suggest that magnetic fields shape galaxy formation more strongly than earlier theories allowed.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “astrophysical” in context.
Verb
01. astrophysical in nature
“The observed brightness variations are clearly astrophysical in nature.”
adj + prep + noun
02. astrophysical in origin
“The team concluded that the fast radio pulses were astrophysical in origin.”
adj + prep + noun
Noun
03. astrophysical jet
“The black hole launches a powerful astrophysical jet spanning light years.”
adj + noun
04. astrophysical model
“The team developed a new astrophysical model to explain galaxy formation.”
adj + noun
05. astrophysical object
“A neutron star is a compact astrophysical object with extreme density.”
adj + noun
06. astrophysical phenomenon
“Supernovae are among the most energetic astrophysical phenomena known.”
adj + noun
07. astrophysical process
“Nuclear fusion is the key astrophysical process powering stars.”
adj + noun
08. astrophysical scale
“Dark matter acts over vast astrophysical scales beyond laboratory physics.”
adj + noun
09. astrophysical simulation
“High-resolution astrophysical simulations show how turbulence shapes star formation.”
adj + noun
10. a purely astrophysical phenomenon
“The flare was identified as a purely astrophysical phenomenon.”
11. an astrophysical source of interest
“The pulsar remains an astrophysical source of interest for theorists.”
12. astrophysical in origin and nature
“The emission was shown to be astrophysical in origin and nature.”
Real-World Examples
“All the heavier elements, from the oxygen in your lungs to the iron in your blood, were created through astrophysical processes—fused in stars, formed in supernovae or scattered by the collisions of neutron stars.” “The 2026 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded for the detection of neutrinos created in astrophysical sources, far away from the solar system.” “Closer to the coast, Antarctica also hosts a suite of other astrophysical research programs, such as the long-running “CosRay” observatory .” “This unusual telescope is the brainchild of Francis Halzen , recipient of the 2026 Nobel Prize in physics for his work spearheading this project and discovering high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.” Etymology
From astro- + physical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/astrophysical