Meaning & Definition of word "Comet"

Comet

/ˈkɒm.ɪt/

1. 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.
- Example: The comet lit up the night sky with its brilliant tail.
2. A cometary body that follows a specific orbit around the sun.
- Example: Halley's Comet is known for its periodic visits to the inner solar system.
3. A meteor shower is often associated with the debris left by a comet.
- Example: The annual Perseid meteor shower is believed to originate from the Swift-Tuttle comet.
4. In mythology and folklore, comets have been seen as omens or harbingers of change.
- Example: In ancient times, a comet was interpreted as a sign of impending doom.
5. Figuratively, a comet can be used to describe anything that has a brief but brilliant presence or impact.
- Example: The young artist was a comet in the music scene, quickly rising to fame and then fading away.

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

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.

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.

Meaning: A person who moves quickly or erratically.

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