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planet

Pronunciation: /ˈplanɪt/

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Definition of planet

noun

  • a celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit round a star.
  • (the planet) the earth:no generation has the right to pollute the planet
  • chiefly Astrology & historical a celestial body distinguished from the fixed stars by having an apparent motion of its own (including the moon and sun), especially with reference to its supposed influence on people and events: the planets are presently influencing you in a positive way

The planets of the solar system are either gas giants—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—or smaller rocky bodies—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Pluto, formerly regarded as the ninth planet, was in 2006 reclassified as a dwarf planet. The minor planets, or asteroids, orbit mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Only Earth and Venus have substantial atmospheres

Phrases

what planet are you on?

British informal used to indicate that someone is out of touch with reality.

Derivatives

planetologist

noun

planetology

Pronunciation: /-ˈtɒlədʒi/

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French planete, from late Latin planeta, planetes, from Greek planētēs 'wanderer, planet', from planan 'wander'

planet in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of planet in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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/ sɪˈnɒdɪk /
adjective
relating to or involving the conjunction of celestial objects …