Definition

Referring to objects that have a mass lower than what is needed for hydrogen fusion to occur, typically used in the context of celestial bodies like brown dwarfs.

Example

Astronomers discovered a substellar object that does not have enough mass to sustain nuclear fusion.

Conversation

Did you hear about that substellar object they discovered last week?

Yeah, I read it was too small for hydrogen fusion to occur.

It's amazing how many of these substellar objects are out there in the universe.

Totally! It really makes you think about the variety of celestial bodies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Substellar → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "stellar" (from Latin "stella", meaning star). The word "substellar" refers to something that is below or under the stars, often used in the context of celestial bodies that are not stars themselves.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'under' ('sub-') the 'stars' ('stellar') — that's why substellar refers to objects that are not stars but are found in the same celestial context.

Visually Confused Words