asteroid
An asteroid is a large rock that travels through space and orbits the sun. It is much smaller than a planet and is mostly made of rock and metal.
Examples
3 of 5The scientists found a new asteroid in space.
The scientists found a new asteroid in space.
The space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.
The space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.
Look at that huge asteroid in my science book!
Look at that huge asteroid in my science book!
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
The prefix 'aster-' means star (like the flower 'aster'). An asteroid looks like a star in the sky but is a rock ('-oid' means 'like').
Quick Quiz
A large ___ is moving in space near the sun.
Correct!
The correct answer is: asteroid
Examples
The scientists found a new asteroid in space.
everydayThe scientists found a new asteroid in space.
The space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.
formalThe space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.
Look at that huge asteroid in my science book!
informalLook at that huge asteroid in my science book!
Most asteroids in our solar system are located in the belt between Mars and Jupiter.
academicMost asteroids in our solar system are located in the belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Our company is investing in technology for future asteroid mining.
businessOur company is investing in technology for future asteroid mining.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the asteroid belt
the group of rocks between Mars and Jupiter
killer asteroid
an asteroid that could destroy life on Earth
asteroid strike
when an asteroid hits a planet
Often Confused With
A comet is made of ice and dust and has a tail, while an asteroid is made of rock and metal.
A meteor is a rock that enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, but an asteroid is still in space.
Usage Notes
Use 'asteroid' when talking about rocks orbiting the sun in space. It is a technical term but used commonly in science fiction and news about space.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse an asteroid with a 'shooting star,' which is actually a meteor burning in the atmosphere.
Memory Tip
The prefix 'aster-' means star (like the flower 'aster'). An asteroid looks like a star in the sky but is a rock ('-oid' means 'like').
Word Origin
From the Greek word 'asteroeides,' which means 'star-like' or 'star-shaped.'
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Asteroids are popular in movies as dangerous objects that might hit Earth, creating a sense of wonder and fear about space.
Quick Quiz
A large ___ is moving in space near the sun.
Correct!
The correct answer is: asteroid
Related Vocabulary
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cometA comet is a small object in space made of ice and dust that...
orbitAn orbit is the curved path that a planet or object takes as...
telescopeA telescope is a long, tube-shaped tool that helps you see t...
galaxyA galaxy is a very large group of stars, gas, and dust held...
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