asteroid

Definition

A naturally occurring solid object, which is smaller than a planet and a dwarf planet, larger than a meteoroid and not a comet, that orbits a star and often has an irregular shape.

Etymology

From aster + -oid, lit. "star-like". Coined by William Herschel.

Example Sentences

• "The orbital planes of asteroids, minor bodies that circle the Sun mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, are often more tilted ..."

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