planetesimal hypothesis

/ ˌplænɪˈtɛsɪməl /

noun

1. the discredited theory that the close passage of a star to the sun caused many small bodies ( planetesimals ) to be drawn from the sun, eventually coalescing to form the planets

Word History and Origins

Origin of planetesimal hypothesis¹

C20: planetesimal, from planet + infinitesimal

Example Sentences

As is apparent, these investigations lead to conclusions very different from those derived by Chamberlin and Moulton from the planetesimal hypothesis.

From Project Gutenberg

If the angle were 30 degrees or 50 degrees or 80 degrees, instead of 7 degrees, the case for the planetesimal hypothesis would be somewhat stronger.

From Project Gutenberg

Other hypotheses, having the same end in view, are the meteoritic hypothesis of Lockyer and the planetesimal hypothesis that has been largely developed in the United States.

From Project Gutenberg

But the planetesimal hypothesis has no room for this enormous percentage of carbon-dioxide in the primitive atmosphere.

From Project Gutenberg

Possibly the planetesimal hypothesis of Chamberlin and Moulton affords the true explanation, as the result of a rupture due to excessive tidal strain.

From Project Gutenberg