comet
UK: ˈkɒmɪt | US: ˈkɑːmɪt
n. a celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust, often with a tail of gas and dust particles, orbiting the sun
n. (archaic) a harbinger or sign of significant change
comet = com<long hair> + et<noun suffix>
- com (from Greek komē, meaning "long hair")
- et (diminutive or noun-forming suffix, from Greek -ētēs)
Etymology Origin:
The word "comet" originates from the Greek komētēs, meaning "long-haired (star)," derived from komē ("hair"). Ancient Greeks observed comets as celestial objects with trailing tails resembling flowing hair. The term was later adopted into Latin (cometa) and Old English (cometa), retaining its vivid imagery. The suffix -et (or -ētēs in Greek) functioned as a noun-forming element, solidifying the word's association with these "hairy stars."
Halley's Comet becomes visible from Earth every 76 years.
The comet's tail glowed brightly as it neared the sun.
Ancient cultures often interpreted comets as omens of disaster.
Scientists analyzed the comet's composition using spectral data.
The Rosetta mission provided groundbreaking insights into comet structure.