An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A child who has lost both parents through death, or, less commonly, one parent.
   

2. A young animal that has been deserted by or has lost its mother (Dictionary.com). → orphaned protostar.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from L.L. orphanus “destitute, without parents,” from Gk. orphanos “bereaved;” akin to L. orbus “bereaved,” Skt. arbhah “weak, child,” Armenian orb “orphan,” O.Irish orbe “heir,” O.C.S. rabu “slave,” Ger. Erbe, O.E. ierfa “heir,” O.H.G. arabeit, Ger. Arbeit “work,” O.E. earfoδ “hardship, suffering, trouble.”

Etymology (PE): Yatim “fatherless,” from Ar.