solar system

noun

Updated on: 18 May 2018

Definition of solar system

: the sun together with the group of celestial bodies that are held by its attraction and revolve around it; also : a similar system centered on another star

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Recent Examples of solar system from the Web

New research illuminates the sun's past and potential future In the beginning, there was nothing but cold and dark between the atoms that became the solar system.

— rebecca boyle, Scientific American, "The New Biography of the Sun," 15 May 2018
Think of it as a solar system needing a sun to gravitate around.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "ASK IRA: At this stage, do Heat even have a 'core'?," 12 May 2018
Here's the statement from NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks President Chris McCumber about Syfy's decision not to renew the series for another season: The Expanse transported us across the solar system for three brilliant seasons of television.

— samuel axon, Ars Technica, "Syfy has canceled The Expanse, but its producers want to find it a new home," 11 May 2018
Based on the novel series by James S.A. Corey (the pen name for Abraham and Ty Franck), The Expanse is set two centuries in the future after humans have colonized the solar system.

— andrew liptak, The Verge, "The Expanse’s third season will be its last on the Syfy channel," 11 May 2018
That means homeowners with the rooftop solar systems will be able to capture cheap electricity during the middle of the day and keep that power onsite for evening hours when rates tend to go up.

— jeff daniels, USA TODAY, "Rooftop solar to be required on new homes in California," 10 May 2018
Leasing options will be available for those who do not wish to invest in a solar system upfront.

— isabella gomez and christina zdanowicz, CNN, "California Energy Commission approves plan requiring solar panels on new homes," 9 May 2018
The average estimated cost of a solar system is $9,500, or $40 a month when amortized over a 30-year mortgage.

— NBC News, "California becomes first state to require solar panels on new homes," 9 May 2018
Two paths diverged in a solar system Mars is a great place to start.

— eva botkin-kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor, "How NASA's latest mission to Mars might dig up truths about Earth," 7 May 2018

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

First Known Use of solar system

circa 1704

in the meaning defined above

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SOLAR SYSTEM Defined for English Language Learners

solar system

noun

Definition of solar system for English Language Learners

the solar system : our sun and the planets that move around it
: a star other than our sun and the planets that move around it

SOLAR SYSTEM Defined for Kids

solar system

noun

Definition of solar system for Students

: the sun and the planets, asteroids, comets, and meteors that revolve around it

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Britannica English: Translation of solar system for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about solar system

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