astrophysicist
UK: ˌæstrəʊˈfɪzɪsɪst | US: ˌæstroʊˈfɪzɪsɪst
n. a scientist who studies the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies and the universe
The word combines "astro-" (from Greek astron, meaning "star" or "celestial") with "physics" (from Greek physis, meaning "nature"). The suffix "-ist" denotes a practitioner. Originally, "astronomy" focused on celestial observation, while "astrophysics" emerged in the 19th century to describe the application of physics to astronomical phenomena. The term reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern space science.
The astrophysicist discovered a new exoplanet orbiting a distant star.
She aspired to become an astrophysicist to study black holes.
The conference brought together leading astrophysicists to discuss dark matter.
His work as an astrophysicist contributed to understanding cosmic radiation.
The astrophysicist published a groundbreaking paper on galaxy formation.