What Does Nebula Mean?

The word nebula has its origin in Latin. The Latin word nebula was adapted by Middle English as nebule which means cloud or mist. A nebula is a mass of dust and gas. It could also consist of only dust of gas. But, this diffuse mass is seen as a bright and luminous areas or patches of darkness. The mass differs in its absorption or reflection of the incident radiation. Thus, it results in the darkness and luminosity of a nebula. A galaxy could also be termed as a 'nebula'.

In Pathological terminology, nebula is the cloudiness in urine. A cloudy spot found on the cornea of the eye is also called nebula. Cornea is the transparent layer that envelops the iris, pupil and the anterior part of the eye ball. Anything that which relates to nebula is referred to as nebular.

The word nebula originated in Latin and stems from the word 'nebulosus'. Nebulosus was obtained from nebula meaning cloud. Later, it was adapted by Middle English. A nebula is a mass of dust and gas. It could also consist of only dust of gas. But, this diffuse mass is seen as a bright and luminous areas or patches of darkness. Anything that relates to nebula is termed nebulous. Nebulous is an adjective. It also means cloudy, misty, or hazy.

Nebulous refers to something that lacks definite form or limit. For example: nebulous assurances from the leaders. Here, the assurances are described to be unclear or vague.