asteroid
/ˈæstəɹoɪd/
A rocky, airless remnant from the early formation of the solar system. It evokes an image of cold, desolate stone drifting through the vacuum of space, smaller than a planet but larger than a meteoroid. In common usage, it often carries a connotation of latent danger or cosmic catastrophe, specifically regarding the potential for planetary impact. This differentiates it from "comet," which suggests ice and a glowing tail, or "meteor," which refers to the streak of light seen during atmospheric entry.
Countable when referring to individual celestial bodies floating in space.
💬Casual Conversation
Did you see that article about the gold asteroid? Talk about a disruptive business model.
Yeah, if only I could cash in on that to pay off my student loans.
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
asteroid belt
A region of the solar system between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, in which most of the asteroids are found.
The asteroid belt contains millions of rocky objects.
near-Earth asteroid
An asteroid whose orbit comes close to that of Earth.
Scientists are tracking a potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroid.
asteroid impact
The collision of an asteroid with a planet or moon.
The asteroid impact theory explains the extinction of the dinosaurs.
asteroid mining
The hypothetical process of extracting useful materials from asteroids.
Future space exploration may involve asteroid mining.
asteroid defense
Methods and technologies developed to prevent an asteroid from colliding with Earth.
International cooperation is crucial for asteroid defense.
Etymology
The word 'asteroid' comes from the Greek word 'asteroeides', meaning 'star-like'. It was coined by astronomer Sir William Herschel in 1802. He used it to describe the small, planet-like bodies discovered orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. These objects appeared as points of light, much like stars, through early telescopes.