asteroid
word
Definition
A small rocky object that orbits the Sun, usually found between Mars and Jupiter. Asteroids are much smaller than planets.
Usage & Nuances
'Asteroid' is used mainly in scientific or educational contexts. Common collocations: 'asteroid belt', 'asteroid impact'. Do not confuse with 'meteor' (which burns up in Earth's atmosphere) or 'comet' (which has a tail made of gas and dust).
Spanish: asteroidePortuguese (BR): asteroidePortuguese (PT): asteroideChinese (Simplified): 小行星Chinese (Traditional): 小行星Hindi: क्षुद्रग्रहArabic: كويكبBengali: অ্যাস্টেরয়েড - গ্রহাণুRussian: астероидJapanese: 小惑星Vietnamese: tiểu hành tinhKorean: 소행성Turkish: asteroitUrdu: ایسٹرائیڈIndonesian: asteroid
Example Sentences
An asteroid orbits the Sun.
basic
The asteroid belt is between Mars and Jupiter.
basic
Scientists study asteroids to learn about space.
basic
Did you hear about that huge asteroid that passed by Earth last night?
natural
If an asteroid ever hit Earth, it could cause serious damage.
natural
Some missions send spacecrafts to collect samples from an asteroid.
natural