celestial body
noun
variants
or less commonly celestial object
plural celestial bodies also celestial objects
: an aggregation of matter in the universe (such as a planet, star, or nebula) that can be considered as a single unit (as for astronomical study)
But many scientists began seriously rethinking their notions of the solar system in 1992, when we identified a small celestial body—just a few hundred kilometers across—sited farther from the sun than any of the known planets.—
Jane X. Luu et al.
Jane X. Luu et al.As the observer looks at a star or other celestial body its light rays pass through a single point on the earth's surface.—Dutton's Navigation and Piloting, 14th edition
Dutton's Navigation and Piloting, 14th editionA black hole forms when a star or other celestial object collapses under the pull of its own gravity.—Mary Durack Miller
Mary Durack Millercalled also heavenly body
Examples of celestial body in a Sentence
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These budding celestial bodies, otherwise known as planetesimals, are thought to be the initial form of Earth and other planets in the solar system, developing around 4.6 billion years ago as dust particles coalesced.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
When a celestial body, such as a moon, planet or an asteroid passes in front of another celestial body and blocks its view (in this case, Saturn), it is called an occultation.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
The phenomenon prompted several theories as to what could have caused it, some people suggesting it could have been created by other celestial bodies, such as Jupiter.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
The Outer Space Treaty outlines principles for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and celestial bodies.
—Wayne N White Jr, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025
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Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
When a celestial body, such as a moon, planet or an asteroid passes in front of another celestial body and blocks its view (in this case, Saturn), it is called an occultation.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
The phenomenon prompted several theories as to what could have caused it, some people suggesting it could have been created by other celestial bodies, such as Jupiter.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
The Outer Space Treaty outlines principles for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space and celestial bodies.
—Wayne N White Jr, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for celestial body
Dictionary Entries Near celestial body
Cite this Entry
“Celestial body.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20body. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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