'meteor' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'meteōros,' where 'meta-' meant 'beyond' and 'aeirein' meant 'to lift.'

'meteōros' transformed into the Latin word 'meteorum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'meteor' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a phenomenon in the sky,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small body from outer space entering the earth's atmosphere.'