B2nounspacescience
US/ˈæs.tə.rɔɪd/
UK/ˈæs.tə.rɔɪd/
a small rocky object that moves around the sun, mostly between Mars and Jupiter
In context
Scientists believe an asteroid hit the Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs.
Most asteroids are found in a belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The space agency sent a probe to land on a distant asteroid.
Words that go with asteroid
noun + noun
- asteroid beltThe asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter.
- asteroid impactAn asteroid impact may have changed the climate millions of years ago.
adjective + noun
- giant asteroidA giant asteroid passed close to Earth last year.
- near-Earth asteroidAstronomers track every near-Earth asteroid they can find.
noun + preposition
- asteroid hitsIf an asteroid hits the sea, it can cause huge waves.
verb + preposition
- land on an asteroidThe probe was the first to land on an asteroid.