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Translate files 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.