comet
/ˈkɒmət/ · com·et
noun
- A celestial body consisting mainly of ice, dust and gas in a (usually very eccentric) orbit around the Sun and having a 'tail' of matter blown back from it by the solar wind as it approaches the Sun. The comet's bright tail was visible in the night sky for weeks.
- A celestial phenomenon with the appearance given by the orbiting celestial body. The comet's appearance was a rare and spectacular sight.
- Any of several species of hummingbird found in the Andes. The comet hummingbird is a rare and colorful species found in the Andes mountains.
Synonyms
Did you know? Comets have been observed and recorded by humans for thousands of years, with the earliest recorded sighting dating back to ancient China in 2400 BCE.
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