a large, round object in space that travels around a star and shines by reflecting that star’s light
Scientists discovered a new planet orbiting a distant star.
Through a telescope, the children saw the rings of the planet Saturn.
✦ From Old French planete, from Latin planēta, from Ancient Greek planḗtēs “wanderer”, because planets appear to wander among the fixed stars.
Earth, especially when people talk about protecting the environment
We all must act now to save the planet from pollution.
Climate change threatens the health of our planet.
✦ Same origin as the astronomical sense; modern environmental usage began in the late 20th century as concern for the Earth’s ecosystems grew.
a planet that orbits a star outside our solar system.
Astronomers discovered a rocky exoplanet near a red dwarf star.
This exoplanet might have oceans and could support life.
✦ Coined in the 1990s from 'exo-' (from Greek ἔξω 'outside') + 'planet', as the first planets orbiting other stars were detected.
A planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.
Astronomers use powerful telescopes to discover distant exoplanets.
Some exoplanets are rocky worlds similar to Earth.
✦ Formed in the late 20th century from 'exo-' (from Greek ἔξω 'outside') + 'planet'.
