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draconid

draconid

9.9
A meteor from the Draconids shower that appears to come from the group of stars called Draco
  • noun
  • /ˈdrækənɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : dracónida
  • Draconid meteor shower
  • Draconid meteor

Examples

  • Astronomers think the Draconid meteor shower could have an outburst this year.

    Academic text (2005)
  • No one knows what the Draconids hold in store this year—you'll have to look to find out.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The Draconid meteor shower is an annual event that captivates stargazers in early October.

  • During the Draconid meteor shower, bright meteors can often be seen radiating from the constellation Draco.

  • Many people gather to watch the Draconid meteors streak across the night sky every October.

Synonyms

meteor
vsdraconid
  • Specialized
300 4.1

A small rock from space that burns up as a bright streak in the sky

is a member of one shower that seems to come from the Draco constellation
shooting star
vsdraconid
18 2.6

A bright streak of light in the night sky when a small rock from space burns up

is one such streak that belongs to a specific shower pointing to Draco

Surface Forms

draconid singular
draconids plural

Morphology

draconid = Draco (semi-transparent) = dracon + id

The word transparently denotes membership or relation to Draco (the constellation), but the specific sense 'a meteor of the Draconids shower' is a specialized astronomical term that learners may not infer from components alone.

Etymology

Draconid comes from the name of the star group Draco, which itself comes from the old Greek drakon meaning 'dragon'. So a draconid is a meteor from the Draconids shower that appears to come from the area of the sky called Draco, helping you remember it 'comes from the dragon' part of the sky.