sidereal
What is another word for sidereal? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.
Adjective — Relating to or connected with the stars.
We haven't recorded synonyms for sidereal yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use sidereal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sidereal time
sidereal day
sidereal year
sidereal period
It is a specialist astronomical term rather than everyday vocabulary.
Etymology
Sidereal comes from the Latin adjective sidereus with the suffix -al added. Sidereus itself derives from sidus, the Latin word for a star or constellation, whose own origin further back is uncertain.
Full origin of sidereal →Frequently asked questions
What does sidereal mean?
It means relating to the stars, and in astronomy it describes time or measurements based on the stars' positions rather than the sun.
What is a sidereal day?
A sidereal day is the time it takes the Earth to complete one rotation relative to distant stars, and it is slightly shorter than an ordinary 24-hour solar day.
Is sidereal only used in astronomy?
It is mainly a technical astronomical term, most often seen in phrases like sidereal time, sidereal day and sidereal year.
