Bolide is a term that has been used for centuries to describe a bright, luminous meteor that streaks across the sky. It is a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the attention of people from all walks of life. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bolide, its origin, and how it is perceived in different dictionaries.
Definitions
Bolide is a term used to describe a meteor that is brighter than Venus. It is usually associated with a bright flash of light and a loud explosion. Bolides are often referred to as fireballs, and they are caused by the entry of a meteoroid into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Origin
The word bolide comes from the Greek word “bolis,” which means missile or dart. It was first used in the early 1800s to describe a bright meteor that was seen in the night sky. Since then, the term has been widely used to describe any bright meteor that is visible to the naked eye.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bolide varies slightly in different dictionaries. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bolide is defined as “a large, brilliant meteor that explodes; fireball.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a large meteor that explodes in the atmosphere, producing a bright flash and often a loud noise.”
Associations
Bolides are often associated with the end of the world or a catastrophic event. This is because they are so bright and spectacular that they can be seen from miles away. However, bolides are actually quite common, and they usually pose no threat to the Earth or its inhabitants.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for bolide, including fireball, meteor, shooting star, and comet. These terms are often used interchangeably, although they have slightly different meanings.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bolide, as it is a specific term that describes a particular phenomenon. However, some words that are opposite in meaning include darkness, obscurity, and invisibility.
The same root words
The root word of bolide is “bolis,” which means missile or dart in Greek. This word has also been used to describe other fast-moving objects, such as arrows and spears.
Example Sentences
- The bolide streaked across the sky, leaving a trail of light in its wake.
- The explosion from the bolide was heard for miles around.
- Scientists are studying bolides to learn more about the composition of the universe.
- The bolide was so bright that it temporarily blinded anyone who looked directly at it.
- The bolide was captured on video by several witnesses, who posted the footage online.