ALL meanings of gravitational collapse
grav·i·ta·tion col·lapse
G g - noun gravitational collapse the final stage of stellar evolution in which a star collapses to a final state, as a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, when the star's nuclear reactions no longer generate enough pressure to balance the attractive force of gravity. 1
- noun gravitational collapse the initial stage of stellar evolution in which interstellar gases and dust contract under gravity and condense into one or more stars. 1
- noun gravitational collapse The stage in the evolution of a star in which the pressure of the star is insufficient to maintain it at a stable size, and its material falls inward under its own gravitational attraction, eventually forming a black hole or a neutron star, and sometimes accompanied by a supernova explosion. 0