Asteroidal is a term that is commonly used in the field of astronomy and space science. It is a word that describes anything related to asteroids, which are small, rocky objects that orbit the sun. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of asteroidal, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term asteroidal is an adjective that is used to describe anything related to asteroids. It can be used to describe the physical characteristics of an asteroid, such as its size, shape, and composition. It can also be used to describe the behavior of asteroids, such as their orbits and interactions with other objects in space.
Origin
The word asteroidal is derived from the word asteroid, which comes from the Greek word asteroeides, meaning “star-like”. The term was first used in the early 1800s to describe a group of small, rocky objects that were discovered orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, asteroidal means “of or relating to asteroids”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “pertaining to or resembling an asteroid”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “relating to asteroids or similar small objects in space”.
Associations
Asteroidal is often associated with the study of asteroids and their properties. It is also associated with the field of planetary science, as asteroids are often used as a tool for understanding the formation and evolution of the solar system.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for asteroidal include asteroid-like, asteroidian, and asteroidiform.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for asteroidal, as it is a term that is specific to asteroids. However, antonyms for related terms might include non-asteroidal or non-celestial.
The same root words
The root word of asteroidal is asteroid, which comes from the Greek word asteroeides. Other words that share this root include asteroid belt, asteroid field, and asteroid impact.
Example Sentences
- The asteroidal belt between Mars and Jupiter is home to thousands of small, rocky objects.
- The asteroidal impact that killed the dinosaurs is believed to have caused a mass extinction event.
- The asteroidal composition of this rock sample suggests that it may have originated from an asteroid.
- The asteroidal orbits of these two objects indicate that they may have originated from the same parent body.
- The asteroidal nature of these small, rocky objects makes them difficult to study using traditional telescopes.