bolide

[ boh-lahyd, -lid ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a large, brilliant meteor, especially one that explodes; fireball.

bolide

/ -lɪd; ˈbəʊlaɪd /

noun

1. a large exceptionally bright meteor that often explodes Also calledfireball

Word History and Origins

Origin of bolide¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from French, from Greek bolid- (stem of bolís ) “missile”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bolide¹

C19: from French, from bolis missile; see ballista

Example Sentences

We call these fireballs or, more technically, bolides, and they can emit enough light to cast shadows.

From Scientific American

It was also a massive learning experience for scientists, the largest atmospheric impact since the Tunguska bolide in 1908.

From Scientific American

The meteor - sometimes called a bolide for its particularly intense brightness - could be seen by much of southern Norway.

From BBC

The fireballs that explode in a bright terminal flash, often with visible fragmentation, are known as bolides, according to the American Meteor Society.

From Seattle Times

Mr Kacerek said: "Daytime fireballs are extremely rare. It has to be a very large bolide class, to be visible during day."

From BBC