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planetoid

planetoid

9 8.4
A small rock in space that orbits the Sun like a tiny planet
  • noun
  • /ˈplænɪtɔɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : planetoide
  • The telescope revealed a small, rocky planetoid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter.
  • planetoid Sedna
  • dark planetoid
  • rocky planetoid

Plus I've got a whole bunch of little pennies, little spaceman with a planetoid on their chest.

Examples

  • Astronomers discovered a new planetoid that could provide clues about the early solar system.

  • No need to let anyone else know about the incredible technology concealed on this planetoid.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Suddenly, they were at the planetoid.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • KIRK: What do you make of that planetoid beyond?

  • But there is a nearby planetoid.

  • News would cross the Triple by day's end, probably even reach the planetoid communities.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Reinhart looked around with interest, having never seen the surface of the planetoid before.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • They arrived at the planetoid.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Oh, a small planetoid.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • These coordinates are deep inside Regula, a planetoid we know to be lifeless.

Synonyms

asteroid
vsplanetoid
314 5.0

A small rocky or metal body that orbits the Sun, often between Mars and Jupiter

is more general applying to small planet-like objects not only rocky ones
celestial body
vsplanetoid
  • Specialized
5 4.4

A natural object in space like a star or planet that you can see in the sky

is narrower referring specifically to small Sun-orbiting planet-like bodies
minor planet
vsplanetoid
  • Specialized
1 6.4

A small body that orbits the Sun, like an asteroid

is broader referring specifically to small planet-like objects rather than classification

Surface Forms

planetoid singular
planetoids plural

Morphology

planetoid = planet (transparent) = planet + oid

The word is formed by the noun 'planet' plus the productive suffix '-oid' meaning 'resembling', yielding 'like a planet' (small planet/asteroid).

Etymology

The word planetoid comes from planet plus the ending -oid, where -oid means 'like'. So a planetoid is a 'planet-like' small body that moves around the sun, like an asteroid.