A1 noun Neutral

asteroid

/ˈæstərɔɪd/

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 5
1

The scientists found a new asteroid in space.

The scientists found a new asteroid in space.

2

The space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.

The space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.

3

Look at that huge asteroid in my science book!

Look at that huge asteroid in my science book!

Word Family

Noun
asteroid
Adjective
asteroidal
Related
astronomy
💡

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

1

The scientists found a new asteroid in space.

everyday

The scientists found a new asteroid in space.

2

The space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.

formal

The space agency is tracking the trajectory of the asteroid.

3

Look at that huge asteroid in my science book!

informal

Look at that huge asteroid in my science book!

4

Most asteroids in our solar system are located in the belt between Mars and Jupiter.

academic

Most asteroids in our solar system are located in the belt between Mars and Jupiter.

5

Our company is investing in technology for future asteroid mining.

business

Our company is investing in technology for future asteroid mining.

Word Family

Noun
asteroid
Adjective
asteroidal
Related
astronomy

Common Collocations

asteroid belt asteroid belt
large asteroid large asteroid
asteroid impact asteroid impact
near-Earth asteroid near-Earth asteroid
asteroid field asteroid field

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

asteroid vs comet

A comet is made of ice and dust and has a tail, while an asteroid is made of rock and metal.

asteroid vs meteor

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

Countable noun Plural form: asteroids Usually used with 'the' when referring to a specific one
🌍

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

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wetland

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A wetland is an area of land that is always wet or covered with shallow water. It is a very important place where many different plants and animals, like birds and frogs, live.

coral reef

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A coral reef is a large underwater structure made from the skeletons of small sea animals called corals. They are usually found in warm, shallow parts of the ocean and provide a home for many types of fish.

vegetation

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Vegetation refers to all the plants and trees that grow in a particular area. It is used to describe the green cover of the earth, like forests or grass.

foliage

A1

Foliage refers to the leaves of a plant or tree, considered as a group. It is often used to describe the overall appearance and mass of greenery in a landscape or forest.

canopy

A1

A canopy is a cover that hangs over something, like a bed or a seat, to provide shade or protection. In nature, it is the top layer of a forest where the branches and leaves of tall trees meet to form a roof.

photosynthesis

A1

Photosynthesis is the natural process that green plants use to make their own food. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy and release oxygen into the air.

pollination

A1

Pollination is the process of moving pollen from one flower to another to help plants make seeds and fruit. This is usually done by insects like bees or by the wind.

seedling

A1

A seedling is a very young plant that has just started to grow from a seed. It usually has a small green stem and its first few tiny leaves.

sapling

A1

A sapling is a very young tree with a thin trunk. It is the stage of growth after a seed sprouts but before it becomes a large, mature tree.

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