mira variable: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Highly TechnicalScientific, Astronomical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “mira variable” mean?
A type of pulsating variable star that undergoes large, regular changes in brightness, with periods typically between 80 and 1000 days. The prototype is the star Mira (ο Ceti).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of pulsating variable star that undergoes large, regular changes in brightness, with periods typically between 80 and 1000 days. The prototype is the star Mira (ο Ceti).
Any long-period variable star exhibiting the specific characteristics of large amplitude and regular pulsation that define the class, named after the archetype Mira.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and phrasing are identical. The term is international scientific terminology.
Connotations
None. Purely technical.
Frequency
Used with equal (and very low) frequency in both UK and US astronomical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “mira variable” in a Sentence
[Mira variable] + [verb: pulsates, varies, dims, brightens]The [adj: classical, observed, faint] [Mira variable] + [verb phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mira variable” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mira-variable characteristics were well-documented.
American English
- They identified a Mira-variable candidate in the data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in astronomy and astrophysics research papers, theses, and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in astronomical journals, observatory reports, and by amateur astronomers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mira variable”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mira variable”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mira variable”
- Writing 'mira variable' in lowercase (it should be capitalized).
- Confusing it with other variable star types like Cepheids.
- Using it as a general term for any variable star.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in astronomy.
Because it is the proper name of the first star of this type discovered, Mira (ο Ceti).
No, it refers specifically to a well-defined class of long-period, large-amplitude pulsating stars. Other types like Cepheids or RR Lyrae stars are different.
In English, it is typically pronounced MY-ruh (/ˈmaɪrə/).
A type of pulsating variable star that undergoes large, regular changes in brightness, with periods typically between 80 and 1000 days. The prototype is the star Mira (ο Ceti).
Mira variable is usually scientific, astronomical, academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Mira' as the star that 'miraculously' appears and disappears over months.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS A CLOCKWORK; A Mira variable is a long-period cosmic clock.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a Mira variable?