# kilonova

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A type of supernova that is underluminous, caused by the merger of two neutron stars
2. A radiation pattern typical of a kilonova.

## Etymology
From kilo- + nova. From kilo- (“thousands”). From being much more luminous than a nova, but less so than a typical supernova.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/kilonova