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it
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asteroid
Definitions
1
noun
A
small
rocky
body
orbiting
the
sun
,
mostly
found
between
the
orbits
of
Mars
and
Jupiter
in
the
asteroid
belt
.
The
asteroid
belt
contains
thousands
of
these
rocky
bodies
.
Scientists
are
studying
an
asteroid
to
learn
more
about
the
early
solar
system
.
An
asteroid
impact
is
believed
to
have
caused
the
extinction
of
the
dinosaurs
.
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Word Origin
Language
Greek
Original word
astēr (star) + eidos (form, shape)
Word parts
astēr (star) + eidos (form, shape)
Originally meant
star-like form
Background
The term 'asteroid' was coined in the early 19th century by astronomer William Herschel, who noted their star-like appearance in telescopes.