What is the origin of word galaxy?

The word "galaxy" comes from the Greek word "galaxias", which means "milky" or "milky circle". This refers to the Milky Way, our own galaxy, which appears as a band of faint light across the night sky.

Here's a breakdown of the word's etymology:

* galaxias: This Greek word is derived from the Greek word "gala", meaning "milk".

* kyklos: This Greek word means "circle".

Therefore, "galaxias" literally translates to "milk circle", which is a descriptive name for the Milky Way.

The word "galaxy" was first used in English in the 16th century, and it quickly became the standard term for any large collection of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.