star |stär|noun1 a fixed luminous point in the night sky that is a large, remoteincandescent body like the sun.True stars were formerly known as the fixed stars, to distinguish them from the planets or wandering stars. They are gaseous spheres consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, there being an equilibrium between the compressional force of gravity and the outward pressure of radiation resulting from internal thermonuclear fusion reactions. Some six thousand stars are visible to the naked eye, but there are actually more than a hundred billion in our own Galaxy, while billions of other galaxies are known.2 a conventional or stylized representation of a star, typically one having five or more points : the walls were painted with silver moons and stars.• a symbol of this shape used to indicate a category of excellence : the hotel has three stars.• an asterisk.• a white patch on the forehead of a horse or other animal.• (also star network) [usu. as adj. ] a data or communication network in which all nodes are independently connected to one central unit : computers in a star layout.3 a famous or exceptionally talented performer in the world of entertainment or sports : a pop star | [as adj. ] singers of star quality.• an outstandingly good or successful person or thing in a group : arising star in the party | [as adj. ] Ellen was a star student.4 Astrology a planet, constellation, or configuration regarded as influencing someone's fortunes or personality : his golf destiny was written in the stars.• ( stars) a horoscope published in a newspaper or magazine : what do my stars say?verb ( starred , starring ) [ trans. ]1 (of a movie, play, or other show) have (someone) as a principal performer : a film starring Liza Minnelli.• [ intrans. ] (of a performer) have a principal role in a movie, play, or other show : McQueen had starred in such epics as The Magnificent Seven | [as adj. ] ( starring) his first starring role.• [ intrans. ] (of a person) perform brilliantly or prominently in a particular endeavor or event : Vitt starred at third base for the Detroit Tigers.2 decorate or cover with star-shaped marks or objects : thick grassstarred with flowers.• mark (something) for special notice or recommendation with an asterisk or other star-shaped symbol : the activities listed below are starred according to their fitness ratings | [as adj., in combination ] ( -starred)Michelin-starred restaurants.PHRASESmy stars! informal dated an expression of astonishment.reach for the stars have high or ambitious aims.see stars see flashes of light, esp. as a result of being hit on the head.someone's star is rising see rise .stars in one's eyes used to describe someone who is idealistically hopeful or enthusiastic about their future : a singer selected from hundreds of applicants with stars in their eyes.DERIVATIVESstarless adjectivestarlike |-ˌlīk| adjectiveORIGIN Old English steorra, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch ster,German Stern, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin stellaand Greek astēr.