An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A galaxy with prominent → arms that are clearly attached to the central → bulge or → bar spiraling continuously outward until they reach the edge of the visible disk. Some examples are: → Whirlpool galaxy (M51), M74 (NGC 628), and NGC 2997.

Etymology (EN): M.E. graunt, from O.Fr. grant, grand, from L. grandis “big, great,” also “full-grown;” design, from M.E. designen, from L. designare “mark out, designate, appoint,” from → de- “out” + signare “to mark,” from signum→ sign; → spiral; → galaxy.

Etymology (PE): Kahkešân, → galaxy; mârpic→ spiral; farsâz, → perfect.