asteroid — a rocky object that orbits the Sun, typically found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a rocky object that orbits the Sun, typically found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæstərɔɪd/
Example Sentences
- The asteroid was so small that scientists nicknamed it 'cosmic pebble'.
- NASA's mission successfully collected samples from the asteroid's surface.
- If an asteroid hit Earth, dinosaurs would probably file an insurance claim this time.
asteroid
NOUN[/ˈæstərɔɪd/]
a rocky object that orbits the Sun, typically found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter
It came from nowhere — a single asteroid changing everything in an instant.
The astronomer explained that an asteroid is a small star-like rocky object traveling through space. (ASTER = star + -OID = like → star-like object → asteroid)
An asteroid destroyed what filled the void.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'aster' meaning 'star' and the suffix '-oid' meaning 'resembling' or 'like'. The term was coined in the early 19th century to describe these celestial bodies that resemble stars when viewed through telescopes.
Breakdown
aster- (star) + -oid (resembling, like) = asteroid
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The asteroid was so small that scientists nicknamed it 'cosmic pebble'.”
“NASA's mission successfully collected samples from the asteroid's surface.”
“If an asteroid hit Earth, dinosaurs would probably file an insurance claim this time.”
“The asteroid's orbit takes it around the Sun every 3.2 years.”
📚Related Words
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