satellite

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsatəlʌɪt/

noun

  • 1an artificial body placed in orbit round the earth or another planet in order to collect information or for communication: a communications satellite a spy satellite [mass noun]: the report was sent via satellite
  • [as modifier] transmitted by satellite; using or relating to satellite technology: satellite broadcasting
  • [mass noun] satellite television: a news service on satellite
  • 2 Astronomy a celestial body orbiting the earth or another planet.
  • 3 [usually as modifier] something that is separated from or on the periphery of something else but is nevertheless dependent on or controlled by it: satellite offices in London and New York
  • a small country or state politically or economically dependent on another: the Soviet Union and its satellite states
  • a community or town dependent on a nearby larger town: with good motorway and rail links, satellite towns like Thornbury have grown rapidly
  • 4 Genetics a portion of the DNA of a genome with repeating base sequences and of different density from the main sequence.

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'follower, obsequious underling'): from French satellite or Latin satelles, satellit- 'attendant'

Spelling help

Spell satellite with two single t's and a double l.