noun
comet
KO-miht
noun
1
A small body of ice, dust, and rock that orbits the Sun and develops a glowing tail when it passes close enough for its ice to vaporize.
"Halley's Comet is visible from Earth roughly every 76 years."
"Crowds gathered outside to watch the comet streak across the night sky."
How to Use Comet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn icy space object that grows a bright tail as it nears the Sun.
Common pairings
comet tail
passing comet
comet sighting
Word Forms
comets plural
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Halley's _____ is visible from Earth roughly every 76 years.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek kometes, "long-haired," referring to the comet's tail, which was likened to flowing hair.