interstellar medium

[ɪn.tərˈstɛ.lər ˈmi.di.əm]
nounpl: interstellar media
meio interestelar
1. The gas, plasma, and dust that exists in the space between stars within a galaxy
The interstellar medium consists primarily of hydrogen and helium with traces of heavier elements.
O meio interestelar consiste principalmente de hidrogênio e hélio com traços de elementos mais pesados.
2. The material through which electromagnetic radiation and cosmic rays travel between stellar systems
Light from distant stars is often absorbed and scattered by the interstellar medium.
A luz de estrelas distantes é frequentemente absorvida e espalhada pelo meio interestelar.
3. The medium containing molecular clouds, ionized gas, and cosmic dust particles distributed throughout space
New stars form within dense regions of the interstellar medium.
Novas estrelas se formam dentro de regiões densas do meio interestelar.
This is a technical scientific term used identically in both Brazilian and Portuguese astronomy communities. It's part of the standard vocabulary in astrophysics and cosmology education and research. The abbreviation 'ISM' is commonly used in both English and Portuguese scientific literature.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
interstellar matterISM (abbreviation)cosmic dust and gas

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
meio interestelar
Standard scientific term used in astronomy and physics contexts
Portugal
meio interestelar
Identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese in scientific contexts
USA/International English
interstellar medium
Standard term in English-language astronomy and astrophysics

Related Words

stellarcosmic dustinterstellar spacemolecular cloudsionized gasnebulaplasmacosmic rays
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