Noun (astrophysics terminology): the catastrophic self-destruction of a "main sequence" stellar body via a runaway nuclear fusion reaction caused by the accretion of hydrogen atoms over time, surpassing the star's ability to burn off the accreted hydrogen prior to the initiation of the reaction.
The Crab Nebula was originally thought to be the product of a nova explosion, but is now known to be the result of the supernova of star Taurus-A.
by speedog July 10, 2010
Get the nova mug.Noun (American slang): a positive educational grade obtained by other than accepted academic means, usually via the granting of sexual favors, or other compensation, by the student to the educator who subsequently issues the grade.
Tracy was about to flunk science, until she got an Easy A after she hooked up with the science teacher.
by speedog June 22, 2010
Get the Easy A mug.Phrase (WW II Japanese military): code phrase authorizing the activation of "Operation Z", the Japanese attack on U.S. naval forces based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Once Emperor Hirohito had given his assent to Operation Z, the code phrase "Climb Mount Nitaka" was transmitted to Admiral Yamamoto.
by speedog July 07, 2010
Get the Climb Mount Nitaka mug.Person: nickname of American film actress Lauren Bacall, given by her (then) boyfriend, actor Humphrey Bogart, in recognition of her youth in relation to his own age.
by speedog May 27, 2010
Get the Baby mug.Noun (naval terminology): the universally supreme naval rank, awarded historically only to one seaman (Christopher Columbus) jointly by HRM Ferdinand and HRM Isabella of Spain, in recognition of his achievement in successfully navigating the Atlantic Ocean westward and (presumed at the time) the discovery of a shorter, less hazardous, and less expensive trading route to India from Europe.
"Upon his return from his first voyage to America, Christopher Columbus received the rank and title of "Admiral of the Ocean Sea" from Ferdinand and Isabella,
which rank he holds in perpetuity."
which rank he holds in perpetuity."
by speedog May 02, 2010
Get the Admiral of the Ocean Sea mug.Noun: code name for the planned invasion of Great Britain by Nazi Germany in 1940 (German trans: "Unternehmen Seelöwe"); plan defeated by British forces on land, sea and air.
After Goering's Luftwaffe failed to achieve air superiority over Britain, Hitler was forced to cancel Operation Sea Lion.
by speedog June 25, 2010
Get the Operation Sea Lion mug.Noun (spaceflight terminology): to instantly activate the engine(s) of a terrestrial-situated spacecraft at 100% power, with no consideration of standard sequential gradation of thrust, in an attempt to immediately escape from an emergency situation.
"When Commander Leonov observed the escape tower separating from the Soyuz vehicle, he instantly engaged the crash-launch procedure, and saved his entire crew."
by speedog May 02, 2010
Get the crash-launch mug.