satellite

noun

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sat·el·lite | \ ˈsa-tə-ˌlīt

Definition of satellite

1a : a celestial body orbiting another of larger size

b : a manufactured object or vehicle intended to orbit the earth, the moon, or another celestial body

2 : someone or something attendant, subordinate, or dependent especially : a country politically and economically dominated or controlled by another more powerful country

3 : a usually independent urban community situated near but not immediately adjacent to a large city

4 : direct broadcast satellite

5 : a hired agent or obsequious follower : minion, sycophant

Other Words from satellite Example Sentences Phrases Containing satellite Learn More About satellite

Examples of satellite in a Sentence

Satellites help meteorologists predict the weather. Images of the planet are sent by satellite.

Recent Examples on the Web The team will use ground and aerial surveys, satellite imagery and computer models to evaluate conditions and recommend emergency treatments. — Susan Montoya Bryan, USA TODAY, 18 May 2022 The ratings are based on sources including federal data on wildfires, fuels, weather and climate, as well as satellite imagery and public real estate and tax assessor records about each home. — Kellie Hwang, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 May 2022 The new Conflict Observatory will use satellite imagery, social media, and other methods to gather evidence of alleged war crimes, which could be used in future criminal proceedings. — Paul Best, Fox News, 18 May 2022 Russia seized it early in the invasion, but satellite imagery released by Maxar on Thursday appeared to show the aftermath of missile attacks on a Russian military landing craft near the island. — Karoun Demirjian, Washington Post, 13 May 2022 Commercial satellite imagery confirms that the Kremlin is keeping the frigates close to their home port Sevastopol. — David Axe, Forbes, 13 May 2022 The researchers estimated the subjects’ green-space exposure through a satellite imagery tool that detects and quantifies live green vegetation. — oregonlive, 6 May 2022 There’s top-down, like Liljedahl’s work with the Permafrost Discovery Gateway, which uses high-resolution satellite imagery to record thaw slumps and surface water changes. — Lois Parshley, Anchorage Daily News, 3 May 2022 Brody Wight, the sales director at GHGSat, told CNN this is the first time the company knows of in which scientists were able to use satellite imagery to pinpoint methane emissions from cattle farming. — Zoe Sottile, CNN, 30 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'satellite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near satellite

sateless

satellite

satellite dish

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Last Updated

21 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Satellite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satellite. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for satellite

satellite

noun

sat·el·lite | \ ˈsa-tə-ˌlīt

Kids Definition of satellite

1 : a smaller body that revolves around a planet

2 : an object or vehicle sent out from the earth to revolve around the earth, moon, sun, or a planet

satellite

noun

sat·el·lite | \ ˈsat-ᵊl-ˌīt

Medical Definition of satellite

1 : a short segment separated from the main body of a chromosome by a constriction

— called also trabant

2 : the secondary or later member of a chain of gregarines

3 : a bodily structure lying near or associated with another (as a vein accompanying an artery)

4 : a smaller lesion accompanying a main one and situated nearby

5 : a spectral line of low intensity having a frequency close to that of another stronger line to which it is closely related (as by having a common energy level)