Satellite Meaning and Definition
Satellite
Pronunciation
/sætəlait/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A natural satellite that orbits around a planet or another smaller celestial body, often used to describe man-made satellites such as communications or artificial satellites.
Examples
- The Earth has one natural satellite, called the Moon.
- The International Space Station is a human-made satellite in low Earth orbit.
Synonyms
- Orbiter
- Object
Antonyms
- Primary
- Terrestrial
Etymology
The term “satellite” comes from the Latin word “satelles,” meaning “attendant” or “servant.” Early astronomers used this term to describe celestial bodies that orbited around planets or the Sun.
Usage Notes
Satellite can refer to natural satellites, man-made satellites, or even figurative satellites, such as people or groups that follow and closely orbit a leader or system.
Cultural References
Satellite has appeared in various cultural works, such as the science fiction novel “Dune” and the film “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Satellite can be used in idiomatic expressions like “satellite image” or “satellite navigation system.”
Related Words or Phrases
Satellite is often related to words like “orbit,” “asteroid,” or “spacecraft.”
Collocations
- Satellite imaging
- Satellite navigation
Frequency of Use
Satellite is a relatively common term in scientific and technical contexts, but its usage is not as widespread as other words.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of Satellite include “Satelit,” “Satalite,” or “Satlit.”