meteoric

UK: ˌmiːtiˈɒrɪk | US: ˌmiːtiˈɔːrɪk

Definition

  1. adj. relating to meteors

  2. adj. resembling a meteor in speed, brilliance, or brevity

  3. adj. (geology) formed from atmospheric phenomena (e.g., meteoric water)

Structure
meteor <celestial phenomenon>ic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from "meteor" (from Greek meteōros "high in the air") + "-ic" (Latin/Greek suffix forming adjectives). Originally described celestial bodies (meteors) but later extended metaphorically to mean "rapidly brilliant and transient," mirroring a meteor's flash across the sky. The geological sense refers to atmospheric processes (e.g., rainwater).

Examples

  1. The band's meteoric rise to fame stunned the music industry.

  2. Scientists analyzed meteoric dust particles in the Antarctic ice.

  3. Her career was meteoric but short-lived.

  4. Meteoric iron is rare on Earth's surface.

  5. The startup's meteoric growth attracted investors worldwide.