Finesentence logo

Asteroid: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒ‘
Add to dictionary

asteroid

 

[ หˆรฆstษ™หŒrษ”ษชd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

space object

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early formation of the solar system, made up of various minerals and metals. Asteroids can vary in size, with some being just a few meters across, while others are hundreds of kilometers in diameter. Some have been studied closely by space missions, providing valuable insight into the solar system's history and evolution.

Synonyms

minor planet, planetoid, space rock

Examples of usage

  • NASA is planning a mission to explore an asteroid.
  • The asteroid belt is located between Mars and Jupiter.
  • An asteroid passed close to Earth last night.
  • Scientists are concerned about the impact of a large asteroid.

Translations

Translations of the word "asteroid" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น asteroide

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเคธเฅเคŸเฅเคฐเฅ‹เค‡เคก

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Asteroid

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ asteroid

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐัั‚ะตั€ะพั—ะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ asteroid

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐๆƒ‘ๆ˜Ÿ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท astรฉroรฏde

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ asteroide

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท asteroit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œํ–‰์„ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒูˆูŠูƒุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ asteroid

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ asteroid

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐ่กŒๆ˜Ÿ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ asteroid

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ astะตั€ะพะธะด

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัั‚ะตั€ะพะนะด

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒกแƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒแƒ˜แƒ“แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ asteroid

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ asteroide

Etymology

The word 'asteroid' originates from the Greek word 'asteroeides', meaning 'star-like', derived from 'aster', meaning 'star'. It was coined in the early 19th century, specifically in 1802 by the British astronomer William Herschel, who discovered that certain celestial bodies moved like stars but were actually distinct objects. Initially, the term was used to describe the first discovered asteroids, such as Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta. As more asteroids were discovered, the term became standardized in the field of astronomy. Over time, with advances in technology and space exploration, our understanding of asteroids has evolved, leading to the classification of many different types based on their compositions, orbits, and sizes. Today, asteroids are an important subject of study in planetary science, and interest in potential resource mining from asteroids has risen significantly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,534, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.