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Planetarium: meaning, definitions and examples

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planetarium

 

[ pləˈnɛtəˌrɪəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

building, education

A planetarium is a theater built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky. It typically features a domed ceiling and a projection system that displays images of stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena. Visitors can learn about the universe, view simulated night skies, and enjoy various astronomical presentations. Planetariums often serve to inspire interest in astronomy among the public, particularly young students.

Synonyms

astronomy theater, observatory

Examples of usage

  • We visited the planetarium to watch a show about black holes.
  • The local planetarium offers free educational programs for schools.
  • I learned about the constellations at the planetarium last night.

Translations

Translations of the word "planetarium" in other languages:

🇵🇹 planetário

🇮🇳 प्लैनेटेरियम

🇩🇪 Planetarium

🇮🇩 planetarium

🇺🇦 планетарій

🇵🇱 planetarium

🇯🇵 プラネタリウム

🇫🇷 planétarium

🇪🇸 planetario

🇹🇷 gezegen evi

🇰🇷 플라네타리움

🇸🇦 كوكبarium

🇨🇿 planetárium

🇸🇰 planetárium

🇨🇳 天文馆

🇸🇮 planetarij

🇮🇸 vetrarhús

🇰🇿 планетарий

🇬🇪 პლანეტარიუმი

🇦🇿 planetarium

🇲🇽 planetario

Etymology

The term 'planetarium' is derived from the Latin words 'planeta', meaning 'planet', and 'arium', meaning 'a place for'. The word was first used in the mid-19th century, reflecting the growing interest in astronomy during this period. The concept of a planetarium began with devices called orreries, which were mechanical models that represented the positions and motions of the planets. The first dedicated planetarium was opened in 1923 in Berlin, Germany, by the astronomer and physicist Walther Bauersfeld. It featured an innovative projection system that allowed for dynamic presentations of celestial bodies, a revolutionary step forward in astronomical education. Since then, planetariums have become essential tools for public science education, combining art, science, and technology to engage audiences in the wonders of the universe.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,012 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.