Wiktionary:Word of the day/2022/June 16

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stardust n

(astronomy) Small fragments of dust-like material found in space; specifically, a type of cosmic dust that formed from cooling gases ejected from presolar stars, which was then incorporated into the cloud from which the Solar System condensed. (informal, dated) A distant cluster of stars resembling a cloud of dust, especially if the individual stars of which cannot be resolved with a telescope. (archaic) Small fragments in the Earth's atmosphere or on its surface originating from meteorites; meteor dust. (figuratively) Something imaginary or lacking substance. An imaginary magic dust or powder that, when in one's eyes, supposedly causes one to view a person or thing favourably, even though this might not actually be warranted. An imaginary magic dust or powder supposedly able to give one charisma or other positive qualities; hence, charisma or glamour, especially that possessed by a celebrity. The English musician David Bowie’s album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was released on this day 50 years ago in 1972.

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