meteor

me·te·or

noun \ˈmē-tē-ər, -ˌȯr\

Definition of METEOR

1

: an atmospheric phenomenon (as lightning or a snowfall)

2

a : any of the small particles of matter in the solar system that are directly observable only by their incandescence from frictional heating on entry into the atmosphere b : the streak of light produced by the passage of a meteor

Origin of METEOR

Middle English metheour, from Middle French meteore, from Medieval Latin meteorum, from Greek meteōron, from neuter of meteōros high in air, from meta- + -eōros, from aeirein to lift

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith