main sequence
The term 'main sequence' is used in multiple fields, including astronomy, biology, and linguistics, each with a distinct meaning.
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Definition
C1Astronomy
(technical, academic)A phase in a star's life cycle where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core, appearing as a continuous band on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
Example
- Our Sun is currently in the main sequence phase, burning hydrogen in its core.
C1Biology
(technical, academic)The order of amino acids in a protein or nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule.
Example
- The main sequence of a protein determines its structure and function.
C1Linguistics
(technical, academic)The central part of a sentence or clause, typically containing the main verb and its arguments.
Example
- In the sentence 'She gave him a book,' 'gave him a book' is the main sequence.