infant stars

Noun

infant star (plural infant stars)

1. Synonym of protostar.
   • Eventually, the energy released by the collapsing material raises the temperature in the core of an infant star enough to ignite self-sustaining nuclear reactions.1983, National Science Foundation Annual Report 1983, page 3

   Synonyms:

   protostar

2. A newly formed star; a star that has just begun to sustain a fusion reaction.
   • Perhaps thy sight is wandering far Throughout the kindled sky, In tracing every infant star Amid the lights on high,1849, M. A. H., “The Dying Child”, in Echoes of Infant Voices, page 86