Planet

Definition

Planet is a noun. It refers to a celestial body that orbits a star, is massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈplæn.ɪt/, /ˈplæn.ət/
• Respelling: PLAN-it

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈplæn.ɪt/, /ˈplæn.ət/
• Respelling: PLAN-it

Etymology

The word "planet" originates from the Greek "planētēs," meaning "wanderer," derived from "planasthai," which means "to wander." This term reflects the ancient observation of celestial bodies that appeared to move across the night sky in contrast to the fixed stars.

Derivatives

• Planetary (adjective)
• Planetoid (noun)
• Planetarium (noun)
• Planetwide (adjective)
• Exoplanet (noun)

Synonyms

• Celestial body
• World
• Sphere

Antonyms

• Star
• Asteroid
• Comet

Usage

The term "planet" is widely used in astronomy and planetary science. For example, "Earth is the third planet from the Sun," or "Scientists discovered a new planet in a distant solar system."

Related Terms

• Orbit: The curved path of a celestial object around a star or planet.
• Solar system: A system of planets and other celestial bodies orbiting a star.
• Galaxy: A massive system of stars, planets, and other celestial objects bound together by gravity.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A celestial body that orbits a star, is rounded by its own gravity, and has cleared its orbit of debris:
  • Example: "Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system."
• A metaphorical or poetic term for the Earth:
  • Example: "We must take care of our planet for future generations."