nova
/ˈnəʊ.və/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: novae · novas
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Any sudden brightening of a previously inconspicuous star.
Noun
Examples
In these stellar pairings, if the two stars are close together, the white dwarf will siphon mass away from its companion and have an outburst called a nova. And when the white dwarf accumulates too much mass, it will collapse and explode in a supernova.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Smoked Nova Scotia salmon.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “nova” mean?
Any sudden brightening of a previously inconspicuous star.
Is “nova” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.