comet
|com-et|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑː.mɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɒm.ɪt/
celestial object with a tail
Etymology
Etymology Information
'comet' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'komētēs,' where 'komē' meant 'hair of the head,' referring to the comet's tail.
Historical Evolution
'komētēs' changed from the Latin word 'cometa' and eventually became the modern English word 'comet'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'long-haired star,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'celestial object with a tail'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust. When near the sun, a 'comet' displays a visible atmosphere or coma and sometimes a tail.
Halley's Comet is visible from Earth every 76 years.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/08 21:26