asteroid
Asteroid (noun) means a rocky body, smaller than a planet, that orbits the sun, mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter. Example: “Scientists are tracking an asteroid that will pass close to Earth next year.”
How to use asteroid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small rocky object in space that orbits the sun, too small to count as a planet.
An asteroid is rocky and stays mostly in orbit; a "comet" is icy and grows a tail near the sun; a "meteor" is the streak of light from a small object burning up in the atmosphere.
Word forms
asteroids plural, asteroids plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Scientists are tracking an _____ that will pass close to Earth next year.
Etymology
Coined in 1802 by astronomer William Herschel from Greek asteroeidēs, "star-like," from astḗr ("star").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for asteroid
See all rhymes for asteroid →Frequently asked questions
What does “asteroid” mean?
The word “asteroid” means a rocky body, smaller than a planet, that orbits the sun, mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter. In plain terms, a small rocky object in space that orbits the sun, too small to count as a planet.
How do you pronounce “asteroid”?
“Asteroid” is pronounced AST-royd (/ˈæst(ə)ɹɔɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “asteroid” in a sentence?
Here is “asteroid” used in a sentence: “Scientists are tracking an asteroid that will pass close to Earth next year.”
What part of speech is “asteroid”?
“Asteroid” is a noun.
Where does the word “asteroid” come from?
The word “asteroid” dates back to around 1802 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1802 by astronomer William Herschel from Greek asteroeidēs, "star-like," from astḗr ("star").
Is “asteroid” a common word?
“Asteroid” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between an asteroid and a planet?
An asteroid is a rocky body smaller than a planet that orbits the sun, while a planet is a much larger body that has cleared its orbital path of other debris. Asteroids are mostly found concentrated in a belt between Mars and Jupiter, unlike planets which have distinct, cleared orbits.
What is the difference between an asteroid and a comet?
An asteroid is a rocky body, whereas a comet is typically composed of ice and dust that vaporizes to form a visible tail as it nears the sun. Asteroids are mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter, while comets often follow much longer, more elliptical orbits.
Where are most asteroids located in the solar system?
Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt, a region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This is where the majority of these rocky bodies smaller than a planet orbit the sun.
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