A Wolf-Rayet star is a type of massive star known for its strong stellar winds and high temperatures. These stars are typically more than 20 times the mass of our Sun and are in a late stage of evolution. They are characterized by their broad emission lines in their spectra, which indicate the presence of heavy elements like carbon and nitrogen. Wolf-Rayet stars are often found in star clusters and can be very luminous, sometimes outshining entire galaxies. They are believed to play a significant role in the chemical enrichment of the universe, as they expel material into space during their brief lifetimes, contributing to the formation of new stars and planets.