astronomer
UK: əˈstrɒnəmə | US: əˈstrɑːnəmər
n. a scientist who studies celestial bodies (e.g., stars, planets, galaxies) and the universe.
astronomer = astro<star> + nom<arrange/study> + er<agent suffix>
- astro: From Greek astron (star), now used in English to denote celestial objects.
- nom: From Greek nomos (law, arrangement), here implying systematic study.
- er: Agent suffix in English, indicating a person who performs an action (e.g., "teacher").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Greek astronomos ("star-arranger"), combining astron (star) and nomos (law/order). Ancient astronomers mapped celestial patterns, linking the morphemes to "one who studies stellar order." The modern term retains this logic, with -er adapting it to English agent-noun conventions.
The astronomer observed a supernova through the telescope.
Galileo Galilei was a pioneering astronomer who challenged geocentric views.
Modern astronomers use advanced technology to study dark matter.
She aspired to become an astronomer and explore distant galaxies.
The astronomer published a paper on exoplanet atmospheres.