What does novae mean?
Novae is the traditional Latin plural of nova, an astronomical term for a star that suddenly becomes dramatically brighter and then gradually returns to its earlier state. The word can refer generally to new stars, but it is most often encountered in plural form within astronomical literature, particularly when describing recurrent novae or multiple novae observed in a single system. Novae has the Latin ending -ae, although the regular English plural novas is now more common. Its name ultimately comes from Latin novus, meaning “new,” because a nova becomes newly visible or conspicuous against the night sky. The form also illustrates how scientific terminology often preserves Greek or Latin inflection patterns, while modern usage increasingly favors English plural endings.
nounThe traditional Latin plural of nova, a star that suddenly becomes much brighter before gradually fading. The English plural novas is also commonly used.
- A plural of nova; in astronomy, one of several stars that undergo a temporary, conspicuous increase in brightness.
"Astronomers observed two novae in the same distant galaxy."
"The observatory recorded the light curves of several novae."
"Records of ancient novae allowed astronomers to reconstruct the history of the Milky Way."
This headword is already the traditional Latin plural of nova; the alternative English plural is novas.
"The astronomers compared observations of the novae with archived survey images."
A nova is literally a “new” star: its name comes from Latin for new because it appears suddenly in the night sky.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does novae come from?
The word derives from Latin novus, meaning “new,” through the feminine form nova and its Latin plural novae. Latin nova was applied to a new star, and English astronomical terminology borrowed the term with its traditional Latin plural. The same ancient root also underlies English words such as novel, novice, novelty, and renovate.
Related word forms
How novae is actually used
Novae is the traditional Latin plural form and is less common in modern English than the regular plural novas. The form is especially associated with technical astronomy writing and the plural of supernova.
Easily confused with novae
Novae is the traditional plural of the astronomical term nova, whereas novice means a person who is new to a field or activity.