stjärnformiga

Stjärnformiga is a Swedish adjective meaning star-shaped. It is used to describe objects, structures or forms that have angular projections or arms radiating from a central point. The term is chosen for its descriptive clarity rather than a strict technical definition, and it can apply across disciplines from geometry to biology.

In geometry and related fields, the phrase star-shaped (stjärnformad) often appears in discussions of star-shaped polygons or regions. In computational geometry, a polygon is star-shaped if there exists at least one point inside the polygon from which every point of the polygon is visible; such a point is called a kernel.

In biology and histology, stjärnformiga describes cells or cell arrangements with radiating processes. Stellate cells are common examples, including astrocytes in the nervous system and hepatic stellate cells in the liver, both named for their star-like morphology under microscopy.

In botany and materials science, the term is used for structures inspired by or resembling stars. Leaves, inflorescences or seeds can be described as star-shaped, and in materials science star-shaped particles or nanoparticles are studied for their optical or mechanical properties.