| subdwarf symbiotic [`sǝb´dwȯrf ´sim·bē`äd·ik] ASTRONOMY A type of symbiotic star consisting of a combination of a cool red giant with a small hot subdwarf star, the latter probably the inner core of a former giant or super giant which has shed its outer envelope and is now contracting to become a white dwarf. Also known as planetary nebula symbiotic. |