subdwarf symbiotic

subdwarf symbiotic

[′səb‚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.