What does stellate mean?

The term "stellate" is derived from the Latin word "stella," which means "star." In various fields such as biology and astronomy, "stellate" is used to describe objects or structures that exhibit a star-like shape, having multiple pointed parts radiating outwards from a central point. This star-shaped characteristic is evident in various contexts, such as in the appearance of certain types of cells, like stellate ganglion cells in the nervous system, or in botanical terms, where flowers may exhibit a star-shaped arrangement of petals. Understanding this meaning is important, particularly in scientific and medical discussions where precise terminology is key to conveying accurate information.