NEPTUNE Meaning and
Definition
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Neptune is a noun that refers to the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun in the solar system. It is classified as a gas giant, along with Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. Named after the Roman god of the sea, Neptune is often characterized as an icy giant due to its predominantly icy composition and its deep blue coloration.
Neptune has a diameter that is nearly four times that of Earth. It is also the fourth largest planet in terms of mass, with a density greater than that of water. Its atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of methane giving rise to its distinct blue hue.
Neptune possesses a complex weather system characterized by strong winds, including the fastest recorded in the solar system. Its most notable feature is the Great Dark Spot, which was similar to the Great Red Spot found on Jupiter, but has since disappeared. Neptune has several icy moons, the most significant being Triton, which is unique among large moons due to its retrograde orbit—moving in the opposite direction to its planet's rotation.
As a celestial body, Neptune holds great importance in astronomical research, serving as a benchmark for studying the outer regions of the solar system. Its discovery and subsequent exploration have contributed immensely to our understanding of the universe and the dynamics of planetary systems.
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In anc. myth., the god of the sea; the remotest known planet of our system.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NEPTUNE
Etymology of NEPTUNE
The word "Neptune" has its origins in Roman mythology. It is derived from the Latin term "Neptūnus", which was the god of freshwater and the sea in Roman mythology. In Greek mythology, the equivalent deity was Poseidon. The name Neptune comes from the Latin word "nepōs", which means "nephew" or "grandson", implying that Neptune was the nephew of the chief Roman god, Jupiter (Zeus in Greek mythology). The name thus emphasizes Neptune's relation to the sea, as the waters were seen as Jupiter's realm.
Similar spelling word for NEPTUNE
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