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Meteoric: meaning, definitions and examples

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meteoric

 

[ mɪˈtɪərɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

rapid success

Meteoric describes something that rises swiftly and brightly, often used to refer to a rapid rise to fame or success. Its connotations suggest an impressive or extraordinary ascent akin to that of a meteor streaking across the sky.

Synonyms

explosive, rapid, sudden, swift

Examples of usage

  • The young artist experienced a meteoric rise in popularity.
  • His meteoric career took off after that award-winning performance.
  • The company's meteoric growth surprised even the most optimistic investors.
Context #2 | Adjective

astronomy

In astronomy, meteoric relates to meteors or meteorites, describing phenomena associated with them. It invokes images of space and celestial activity.

Synonyms

astral, celestial, cosmic

Examples of usage

  • The meteoric shower was a stunning display of light in the night sky.
  • They studied the meteoric fragments found after the explosion.
  • The meteoric display was visible from miles away.

Translations

Translations of the word "meteoric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 meteórico

🇮🇳 मौसमी

🇩🇪 meteoritisch

🇮🇩 meteorik

🇺🇦 метеоритний

🇵🇱 meteoryczny

🇯🇵 流星の

🇫🇷 météorique

🇪🇸 meteórico

🇹🇷 meteorik

🇰🇷 유성의

🇸🇦 نجم

🇨🇿 meteoritický

🇸🇰 meteoritický

🇨🇳 流星的

🇸🇮 meteoritski

🇮🇸 fellandi

🇰🇿 метеорлық

🇬🇪 მეტეორიული

🇦🇿 meteorit

🇲🇽 meteórico

Etymology

The term 'meteoric' originates from the Greek word 'meteōrion', which means 'suspended in the air' or 'high in the sky'. This Greek term comes from 'meteōros', meaning 'lofty' or 'elevated'. The use of 'meteor' in English dates back to the late 14th century. Initially, it referred to phenomena in the atmosphere, such as weather patterns. By the late 17th century, the term had evolved to describe celestial objects, particularly those that burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. Over time, the adjective 'meteoric' began to be used metaphorically to characterize rapid achievements or dramatic changes in status, reflecting the swift and beautiful imagery associated with meteor showers. The development of this word shows how language evolves to capture both scientific and cultural concepts, creating connections between the heavens and human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,188, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.