draconid
- noun
- /ˈdrækənɪd/
- Specialized
- Draconid meteor shower
- Draconid meteor
Examples
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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.
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During the Draconid meteor shower, bright meteors can often be seen radiating from the constellation Draco.
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Many people gather to watch the Draconid meteors streak across the night sky every October.
Synonyms
A small rock from space that burns up as a bright streak in the sky
A bright streak of light in the night sky when a small rock from space burns up
Surface Forms
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.