Solar: meaning, definitions and examples

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solar

 

[ ˈsəʊlər ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

energy

Relating to or determined by the sun.

Synonyms

sun-powered, sun-related.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solar

Use this term when referring to energy or power derived from the sun. It's common in scientific, environmental, and technical discussions.

  • Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
  • We installed a solar water heater last winter.
sun-related

Use this term when referring to things connected to or associated with the sun, not necessarily technology or energy.

  • This book has a lot of sun-related myths from different cultures.
  • She has a sun-related tattoo on her arm.
sun-powered

This phrase is more colloquial and straightforward, suitable for general conversations or marketing materials to describe devices or systems that use the sun's energy.

  • I bought a sun-powered lantern for camping.
  • They're selling sun-powered phone chargers at the store.

Examples of usage

  • The solar panels on the roof provide electricity for the house.
  • Many countries are investing in solar energy as a renewable source.
Context #2 | Noun

astronomy

A solar system is a star and all of the objects that travel around it, such as planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

Synonyms

planetary system, star system.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
solar

Typically used to refer to anything related to the Sun. It is often used in scientific, environmental, and energy-related contexts.

  • Solar panels are becoming more affordable.
  • The solar activity affects Earth's climate.
planetary system

Used to describe a collection of celestial bodies, including planets, that orbit around a star. It is commonly used in astronomy and astrophysics.

  • Scientists have discovered a new planetary system with three Earth-like planets.
  • Our planetary system includes the Sun, eight planets, and various smaller objects.

Examples of usage

  • Our solar system consists of eight planets orbiting the sun.
  • The study of the solar system helps us understand the universe.

Translations

Translations of the word "solar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 solar

🇮🇳 सौर

🇩🇪 solare

🇮🇩 surya

🇺🇦 сонячний

🇵🇱 słoneczny

🇯🇵 太陽の

🇫🇷 solaire

🇪🇸 solar

🇹🇷 güneş

🇰🇷 태양의

🇸🇦 شمسي

🇨🇿 solární

🇸🇰 solárny

🇨🇳 太阳的

🇸🇮 sončni

🇮🇸 sólar

🇰🇿 күн

🇬🇪 მზის

🇦🇿 günəş

🇲🇽 solar

Etymology

The word 'solar' originates from the Latin word 'solaris', which means 'of the sun'. The concept of solar energy has been known to humans for centuries, with ancient civilizations using the sun's power for heating and lighting. In modern times, solar technology has advanced significantly, leading to widespread use of solar panels and other solar-powered devices.

See also: sol, solace, sole, solo.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,373, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.