planetlike

1 5.2

Looking like a round world that moves around a star

adjective
/ˈplænɪtˌlaɪk/

: planetario

Scientists discovered a planetlike body orbiting far beyond Pluto.

Examples

Through the telescope, the distant object appeared planetlike in both shape and color.
That is a planetlike object!
The artist painted a planetlike sphere floating in a cosmic landscape.
Look at that planetlike shape!
Many researchers have discovered planetlike objects orbiting distant stars.
The exoplanet exhibits planetlike features, such as an atmosphere and surface water.
Astronomers are searching for planetlike bodies that could potentially support life.

Synonyms

planetary

vsplanetlike

Specialized

82 5.1

Relating to planets, their structure, or how they move

describes a similar appearance or qualities rather than true belonging

Surface Forms

planetlike positive

Morphology

planetlike = planet (transparent) = planet + like

The adjective is directly and productively formed from 'planet' + the productive suffix '-like' meaning 'resembling', so the meaning is straightforward for learners.

Etymology

The word planetlike is made from planet and -like, so it simply means 'like a planet'. The word planet comes from a Greek word that meant 'wanderer' because planets move among the stars, so planetlike describes something that looks or moves like a planet.