Definitions

1. noun

A model of a star in which the temperature and density vary in a specific way with distance from the center, often used in the study of stellar evolution.

“The researcher used a polytrope to model the behavior of a star as it aged.”

2. noun

A general term for any model of a star that takes into account the variation of temperature and density with distance from the center.

“The polytrope model is a useful tool for astronomers studying the properties of stars.”