Word-Built World: instar

instar

PRONUNCIATION:

(noun: IN-star, verb: in-STAR) 

MEANING:

noun: A stage in the life of an insect between two molts, prior to reaching maturity.
verb tr.: To make a star or decorate using stars.

ETYMOLOGY:

For noun: From Latin instar (image, form). Earliest documented use: 1895.
For verb: From in- (in, into) + star, from Old English steorra (star). Earliest documented use: 1592.

Space Caterpillar in the Carina Nebula. Photo: Stuart Rankin / NASA

(wsmith@wordsmith.org)

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