stardom

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
star/stɑː(r)/

▶noun

• 1 a fixed luminous point in the night sky which is a large, remote incandescent body like the sun.

• 2 a stylized representation of a star, typically with five or more points.

  ■ a star-shaped symbol indicating a category of excellence.

  ■ used in names of starfishes and similar echinoderms, e.g. cushion star.

• 3 a famous or talented entertainer or sports player.

  ■ an outstanding person or thing.

• 4 Astrology a planet, constellation, or configuration regarded as influencing one's fortunes or personality.

  ■ (stars) informal a horoscope.

• 5 a white patch on the forehead of a horse or other animal.

▶verb (stars, starring, starred)

• 1 (of a film, play, etc.) have (someone) as a principal performer.

  ■ (of a performer) have a principal role in a film, play, etc.

• 2 decorate or cover with star-shaped marks or objects.

  ■ mark for special notice or recommendation with a star.

– phrases
my stars! informal, dated an expression of surprise.
see stars seem to see flashes of light, especially as a result of a blow on the head.

– derivatives
stardom noun,
starless adjective,
starlike adjective.

– origin OE steorra, of Gmc origin.