noun
exoplanet
EK-soh-plan-it
Exoplanet (noun) means a planet that orbits a star other than the Sun, outside our own solar system. Example: “Astronomers have confirmed thousands of exoplanets since the 1990s.”
noun
1
A planet that orbits a star other than the Sun, outside our own solar system.
"Astronomers have confirmed thousands of exoplanets since the 1990s."
"This exoplanet is thought to be roughly the size of Neptune."
"Some exoplanets orbit two stars at once."
How to use exoplanet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt's a planet going round a star that isn't our Sun.
When to use it
It is a standard scientific term, at home in both academic writing and general news coverage of astronomy.
Memory tip
Think of the prefix exo- as meaning 'outside', the same idea as in words like exoskeleton.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
discover an exoplanet
an exoplanet's orbit
a newly found exoplanet
habitable exoplanet
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Astronomers have confirmed thousands of _____ since the 1990s.
Etymology
Exoplanet is a modern coinage built from the Ancient Greek element exo-, meaning outside or extrasolar, joined to the word planet.
Synonyms
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exosolar planet
extrasolar planet
Rhymes for exoplanet
See all rhymes for exoplanet →Frequently asked questions
What is an exoplanet?
An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star other than our own Sun, meaning it lies outside our solar system.
How is an exoplanet different from a normal planet?
There's no difference in kind, only location: a planet becomes an exoplanet once it's found orbiting a star that isn't the Sun.
Are exoplanets and extrasolar planets the same thing?
Yes, extrasolar planet and exosolar planet are simply other terms for the same thing as exoplanet.
What is the meaning of exoplanet?
"exoplanet" (noun) means a planet that orbits a star other than the Sun, outside our own solar system.
