ScienceJuly 10, 2026
engulfment
/ɪnˈɡʌlf.mənt/
Definition
The act of a star completely surrounding, consuming, and melting down a planet or celestial body into its own mass.
Etymology
The word is formed from the verb 'engulf,' which combines the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to put into' and 'gulf' referring to a deep abyss. It entered English in the 17th century to describe being swallowed up or overwhelmed by a massive entity.
In the news
In the article, the term describes the destructive process where a star absorbs an orbiting planet, leaving behind chemical traces in its light. This event is used to explain the long-term, violent evolution of planetary systems.
This Star Just Ate a Planet, and It’s Not Done Yet
Read the full article ↗The New York Times