Magellanic Clouds

proper noun

Collectively, the pair of galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud and Small Magellanic Cloud; also sometimes includes the Magellanic Bridge and Magellanic Stream.

Similar
Magellanic Cloud
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Meanings

proper nounthe Magellanic Clouds pl (plural only)
  1. pluralplural onlyastronomyCollectively, the pair of galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud and Small Magellanic Cloud; also sometimes includes the Magellanic Bridge and Magellanic Stream.
noun
  1. pluralplural of Magellanic Cloud

Synonyms & antonyms

nouneither of two small galaxies orbiting the Milky Way; visible near the South Celestial Pole

Similar
Magellanic Cloud
Broader
galaxyextragalactic nebula
Also see
magellanic cloud

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Origin

From having a cloud-like appearance, and having been discovered on Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe, a voyage of discovery during the Age of Exploration. Named after Portugeuese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

French nuages de Magellan, Nuages de Magellan
  • nuages de MagellanTranslations
  • Nuages de MagellanTranslations
Polish Obłoki Magellana
  • Obłoki MagellanaTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

Magellanic Clouds. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Magellanic%20Clouds

MLA

“Magellanic Clouds.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Magellanic%20Clouds. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Magellanic Clouds,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Magellanic%20Clouds.

Source: Magellanic Clouds on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.