main sequence
noun Astronomy.
a narrow band in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in which 90 percent of all observed stars are plotted.
Origin of main sequence
First recorded in 1925–30
Words nearby main sequence
main man,
main market,
main memory,
main plane,
main royal mast,
main sequence,
main shaft,
main squeeze,
main stem,
main store,
main street
British Dictionary definitions for main sequence
main sequence
noun
astronomy
- a diagonal band on the Hertzsprung Russell diagram containing about 90% of all known stars; stars evolve onto and then off the band during their lifetime
- (as modifier)a main-sequence star
Scientific definitions for main sequence
main sequence
[ mān ]
The continuous, generally diagonal line or band in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram ranging from the upper left to the lower right and representing stars of average size whose luminosities correspond predictably to their surface temperatures. Stars in this grouping maintain a stable nuclear reaction and experience only small fluctuations in luminosity and temperature. Main-sequence stars are believed to be in the stable, middle phase of their development; they are expected to move off the main sequence once the hydrogen in their core is exhausted. At that point, depending on its size, a main-sequence star will become a giant star, a supergiant star, or a white dwarf. The more massive the star, the faster it burns its nuclear fuel and the shorter it remains in the main sequence. See more at Hertzsprung-Russell diagram star.