Dictionary

starstuff en · NOUN

Etymology

From star + stuff. Compare Dutch sterrenstof (“stardust”), German Sternenstoff (“star matter”).

Meanings

1. (uncountable) The material composition of stars; matter originated from stars; starmatter.
   • "[…] We have begun to contemplate our origins—starstuff pondering the stars!” 2009, Michael Dowd, Thank God for Evolution:
   • Energy takes starstuff and turns it into a horse. Dissolves the horse back into stardust and uses the same starstuff to grow a tree. 2009, David Waite Yohn, Energy: Lifestyle For Today:
   • Others have discussed this idea, such as the physicist Greg Matloff, who states: In one of his books, the late Carl Sagan states that we are all 'starstuff,' since the atoms that compose us were mostly generated in the explosive demise of a super giant star. 2011, K. F. Long, Deep Space Propulsion: A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight:
   • Not only is the matter around you star-stuff, but you are, too. There is not a single cell in your body that is not made of matter formed in the heart, and then the death, of a distant and now-extinct star. 2004, Thom Hartmann, The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight:
   • They were just a third of the solar radius out from the centre now, with nearly five hundred thousand kilometres of starstuff over their heads. 2017, Stephen Baxter, Xeelee: Vengeance:
   • “The Cache,” said Leonard. “A large quantity of starstuff, hidden here in London centuries ago.” “Hidden by whom?” “By the original Starcatchers,” said Leonard. 2010, Dave Barry, Peter and the Sword of Mercy:

Forms

Relateds

cosmic matter · stardust