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
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The International Astronomical Union handles the official naming and classification of planets and other celestial bodies.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
That's why for years, NASA had been planning and developing a flagship mission to send an uncrewed spacecraft to scour the celestial body for clues.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
In addition to the crescent moon and the possibility of more displays of the Northern lights, Venus, the brightest celestial body in the sky other than the moon and sun, will be glowing bright starting on Wednesday, and Jupiter will go into opposition on Saturday, according to researchers.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024
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Wayne N White Jr, The Conversation, 31 Jan. 2025
The International Astronomical Union handles the official naming and classification of planets and other celestial bodies.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
That's why for years, NASA had been planning and developing a flagship mission to send an uncrewed spacecraft to scour the celestial body for clues.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024
In addition to the crescent moon and the possibility of more displays of the Northern lights, Venus, the brightest celestial body in the sky other than the moon and sun, will be glowing bright starting on Wednesday, and Jupiter will go into opposition on Saturday, according to researchers.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024
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 9 Feb. 2025.
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