Comet

/ˈkɒm.ɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust that, when near the sun, forms a tail of gas and dust particles pointing away from the sun.

The comet lit up the night sky with its brilliant tail.

A cometary body that follows a specific orbit around the sun.

Halley's Comet is known for its periodic visits to the inner solar system.

A meteor shower is often associated with the debris left by a comet.

The annual Perseid meteor shower is believed to originate from the Swift-Tuttle comet.

In mythology and folklore, comets have been seen as omens or harbingers of change.

In ancient times, a comet was interpreted as a sign of impending doom.

Figuratively, a comet can be used to describe anything that has a brief but brilliant presence or impact.

The young artist was a comet in the music scene, quickly rising to fame and then fading away.

Etymology

From Latin 'cometa', from Greek 'komētēs', meaning 'long-haired', referring to the appearance of its tail.

Common Phrases and Expressions

comet tail

The tail of a comet, created by the solar wind and radiation pressure blowing material away from the comet as it approaches the sun.

shooting star

An informal term for a meteoroid that burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere; often confused with comets.

Related Words

nucleus

The central part of a comet, made of ice and dust.

orbital path

The trajectory that a comet follows around the sun.

tail

The stream of gas and dust that extends from a comet as it approaches the sun.

Slang Meanings

A person who moves quickly or erratically.

He's such a comet on the dance floor, spinning around everywhere.