A type of nova that exhibits a characteristically slow development and decline, as distinct from a fast nova or a very slow nova (see rr telescopii star); abbr. NB. The star takes 150 days or more to fade by 3 magnitudes from maximum, ignoring any minor fluctuations and the deep transition minimum. The initial rise is also slower (2–3 days), and the final rise, following the pre-maximum halt, may take several weeks.