Meaning & Definition of word "Asteroid"
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Asteroid
/ˈæstərɔɪd/
noun:
- 1. A small rocky body orbiting the sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
- Example: The spacecraft was launched to study the asteroid that was discovered last year.
- 2. Any small celestial body that orbits the sun, particularly in the region between Mars and Jupiter.
- Example: Scientists believe that some asteroids may contain valuable minerals.
- 3. A minor planet.
- Example: An asteroid passed close to Earth last night, but it posed no threat.
Etymology
From Greek 'asteroeides', meaning 'star-like'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
asteroid belt:
The region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids are found.
near-Earth asteroid:
An asteroid whose orbit brings it into proximity with Earth.
Related Words
comet:
A celestial object made of ice and dust that, when close to the sun, displays a visible atmosphere or coma.
meteor:
The flash of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere.
Slang Meanings of asteroid
Meaning: Used to describe someone or something that is far away or seems distant.
Example Sentence: He's so out of touch, he's living on an asteroid.