Meteoroid: meaning, definitions and examples
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meteoroid
[ ˈmiːtiəˌrɔɪd ]
astronomy, space
A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space. They are significantly smaller than asteroids and can range in size from a grain of dust to a boulder. When a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it produces a meteor, commonly known as a shooting star.
Synonyms
meteoric fragment, space rock.
Examples of usage
- The sky was filled with meteoroids during the meteor shower.
- Scientists study meteoroids to understand the early solar system.
- A meteoroid can originate from a comet or asteroid belt.
- When entering the atmosphere, the meteoroid causes a bright flash of light.
Translations
Translations of the word "meteoroid" in other languages:
🇵🇹 meteoroide
🇮🇳 मेटेरोइड
🇩🇪 Meteoroid
🇮🇩 meteoroid
🇺🇦 метеороїд
🇵🇱 meteoroid
🇯🇵 隕石微小体
🇫🇷 météoroïde
🇪🇸 meteoroide
🇹🇷 meteoroid
🇰🇷 유성체
🇸🇦 مذنب صغير
🇨🇿 meteoroid
🇸🇰 meteoroid
🇨🇳 流星体
🇸🇮 meteoroid
🇮🇸 meteoroid
🇰🇿 метеороид
🇬🇪 მეტეოროიდი
🇦🇿 meteoroid
🇲🇽 meteoroide
Etymology
The term 'meteoroid' was first coined in the mid-19th century. It derives from the Greek word 'meteōros', meaning 'high in the air', combined with the suffix '-oid', which signifies 'like' or 'resembling'. The classification of meteoroids as distinct from asteroids and other celestial bodies was essential for the development of modern celestial mechanics and space science. As our understanding of the solar system grew, meteoroids became an important subject of study, particularly in the context of space missions and impact events. The study of meteoroids helps scientists learn more about the formation and evolution of the solar system, providing insights into the materials that make up planets and other terrestrial bodies.