ASTEROID Meaning and
Definition
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An asteroid is a small celestial object that orbits the sun and is predominantly found within the asteroid belt located in the inner region of our solar system, between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Measuring from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter, asteroids are composed primarily of rock and metal. They can vary in shape, ranging from irregular to more rounded due to collisions in their past. Often referred to as “minor planets,” asteroids are remnants from the early formation of our solar system over 4.6 billion years ago.
The term "asteroid" derives from the Greek word "asteroeidēs," meaning star-like, as early astronomers initially thought these objects were stars due to their dim and pinpoint appearance in the night sky. While most asteroids are located within the asteroid belt, some have eccentric orbits that cross paths with Earth's orbit, leading to the potential for collisions. When an asteroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and survives the journey to the surface, it is called a meteorite.
Studying asteroids provides invaluable insight into the origins and composition of the solar system. Their exploration aids in understanding the formation of planets and other celestial bodies, as well as potential threats they may pose to Earth. Numerous spacecraft missions have been launched to investigate these rocky bodies, unraveling their mysteries and shedding light on the history and structure of our cosmic neighborhood.
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Star-like; resembling a star or the mitotic figure, aster.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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One of the minor planets.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ASTEROID *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ASTEROID
Etymology of ASTEROID
The word "asteroid" is derived from the Greek words "astḗr" (meaning "star") and "eîdos" (meaning "form" or "shape"). Combining these two words, "astḗr" and "eîdos", gives us "asteroeidḗs", which translates to "star-like" or "star-shaped". Over time, "asteroeidḗs" was simplified to "asteroid" as we know it today. The name was given to these celestial objects because they resemble stars in appearance when observed from Earth.
Similar spelling words for ASTEROID
- ashtray,
- asterisked,
- asteriated,
- astrodome,
- asterisk,
- asteridae,
- asternal,
- aster,
- astarte,
- asteroidea,
- asterism,
- asterope,
- astronium,
- astern,
- asterion,
- asteroidal,
- austerity.
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