asteroid
/'æstərɔid/
Definition
Noun:
- A small celestial body: An asteroid is any of the numerous small, rocky, and metallic objects that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the region between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, known as the asteroid belt.
Adjective:
- Star-shaped: Having a shape resembling a star; radiating from a central point.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Scientists are tracking an asteroid that will pass near Earth.
- The asteroid belt contains millions of these rocky bodies.
- Adjective:
- The flower had an asteroid shape, with petals radiating outward. (This usage is rare in modern English).
Advanced Usage
- "Near-Earth asteroid": An asteroid whose orbit brings it into proximity with Earth's orbit.
- NASA's mission aims to study a near-Earth asteroid.
- "Asteroid impact": The collision of an asteroid with a planetary body.
- The theory suggests an asteroid impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Variants and Related Words
- Asteroidal (adj): Relating to or resembling an asteroid.
- The probe collected asteroidal material.
- Planetoid (n): Another term for a small planetary body, often used synonymously with asteroid.
Synonyms
- Minor planet: A synonym often used in astronomical contexts.
- Planetesimal: Refers to small bodies from which planets were formed, related to asteroids.
Related Phrases
- "Asteroid mining": The hypothetical exploitation of raw materials from asteroids.
- Asteroid mining could provide rare metals in the future.
Adjective
-
shaped like a star
Noun
-
any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter)
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