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minor planet

[ mahy-ner plan-it ]

noun

, Astronomy.


minor planet

noun

  1. another name for asteroid
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

minor planet

/ nər /

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Word History and Origins

Origin of minor planet1

First recorded in 1860–65
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Example Sentences

The naming of asteroids — which are also known as minor planets or small solar system bodies — is overseen by a group of professional astronomers, part of the International Astronomical Union.

China is also developing experimental technology aimed at mining asteroids and minor planets for natural resources.

From Reuters

The asteroid belt, which sits roughly between Mars and Jupiter, is filled with minor planets and asteroids.

From Salon

Researchers are continuing to study the Kuiper belt, having recently discovered 139 minor planets past Neptune's orbit, giving credence to Witten's idea.

Astronomers are getting closer to discovering the elusive and mysterious Planet Nine after 139 "minor planets" were discovered past Neptune's orbit.

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