planetarium

[ plan-i-tair-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural plan·e·tar·i·ums, plan·e·tar·i·a [plan-i-, tair, -ee-, uh].

1. an apparatus or model representing the planetary system.
2. a device that produces a representation of the heavens by the use of a number of moving projectors.
3. the building or room in which such a device is housed.

planetarium

/ ˌplænɪˈtɛərɪəm /

noun

1. an instrument for simulating the apparent motions of the sun, moon, and planets against a background of stars by projecting images of these bodies onto the inside of a domed ceiling
2. a building in which such an instrument is housed
3. a model of the solar system, sometimes mechanized to show the relative motions of the planets

Word History and Origins

Origin of planetarium¹

1765–75; < New Latin, noun use of neuter of Latin planētārius planetary; -arium

Example Sentences

Think of the new Inglewood venue as a planetarium for the next generation.

From Los Angeles Times

The firm owns Spitz Inc., the planetarium endeavor founded in the 1940s by Armand Spitz, a principal in the field.

From Los Angeles Times

The parade will start June 3, when Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will be aligned, according to Star Walk Astronomical News, a planetarium phone app.

From Los Angeles Times

At the restaurant’s center is a large planetarium dome, where guests eat surrounded by projections of Earth seen from space, oceans, forests, even a beating heart.

From Seattle Times

Space enthusiasts can also visit a local planetarium or science center.

From Seattle Times