Final answer:
Galactic cannibalism refers to a larger galaxy engulfing a smaller one during a collision, which is significant for galactic evolution and star formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one galaxy collides with another and the larger galaxy swallows the smaller one, the process is known as galactic cannibalism. This term is aptly chosen to describe the interaction where a larger galaxy strips material from, or completely envelops, a smaller one. Galactic cannibalism is significant in the evolution of galaxies, potentially leading to the appearance of starburst galaxies from the star formation that arises due to the compression of interstellar matter during the collision. Furthermore, such collisions were more common in the earlier universe and provide critical insights into galactic evolution and the role of supermassive black holes.