In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
PLANETOID
Etymology
Noun
planetoid (plural planetoids)
(astronomy) An asteroid of any size
(astronomy) An asteroid-like body in an orbit beyond the asteroid belt, such as a centaur or Kuiper belt object
(astronomy) A larger, planetary, body in orbit around the Sun, such as Vesta or (candidate) dwarf planets such Eris or Sedna
(astronomy) A dwarf planet
Usage notes
The term "planetoid" has never been precisely defined. At first, it was a synonym for asteroid; whereas "asteroid" referred to the star-like image seen through a telescope, "planetoid" referred to its planet-like orbit. Though it approached the popularity of "asteroid" ca. 1915, this usage was never dominant, and largely ceased by ca. 1980. Even before then the etymology of the term was reanalyzed as meaning planet-like in form, and started being used for larger asteroids such as Vesta which had planet-like geologies (that is, were planetary bodies). There was an increase in such usage after 2000 with the discovery of planetary bodies in the Kuiper belt and beyond, which many felt were not appropriately called "asteroids" and concomitant with doubts as to the appropriate definition of "planet". Sedna, for example, was called a "planetoid" in its discovery announcement.
Anagrams
• platinode
Source: Wiktionary
Plan"et*oid, n. Etym: [Planet + -oid.] (Astron.)
Definition: A body resembling a planet; an asteroid.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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Word of the Day
25 November 2024
ONCHOCERCIASIS
(noun) infestation with slender threadlike roundworms (filaria) deposited under the skin by the bite of black fleas; when the eyes are involved it can result in blindness; common in Africa and tropical America
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