astronomy

[uh-stron-uh-mee]

noun

1. the science that deals with the material universe beyond the earth's atmosphere.

astronomy

/ əˈstrɒnəmɪ /

noun

1. the scientific study of the individual celestial bodies (excluding the earth) and of the universe as a whole. Its various branches include astrometry, astrodynamics, cosmology, and astrophysics

astronomy

1. The scientific study of the universe and the objects in it, including stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies. Astronomy deals with the position, size, motion, composition, energy, and evolution of celestial objects. Astronomers analyze not only visible light but also radio waves, x-rays, and other ranges of radiation that come from sources outside the Earth's atmosphere.

astronomy

1. The science that deals with the universe beyond the Earth. It describes the nature, position, and motion of the stars, planets, and other objects in the skies, and their relation to the Earth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of astronomy¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English astronomie, from Anglo-French, from Latin astronomia, from Greek; equivalent to astro- + -nomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of astronomy¹

C13: from Old French astronomie, from Latin astronomia, from Greek; see _astro- , _-nomy

Example Sentences

“Ultimately astronomy is a social event, so it’s best done with other people.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I want to engage with the public, excite them about what we do in astronomy, but also make it clear how important what we do is to the UK economy," Prof Dougherty said.

From BBC

"The observatory is astronomy, it is also meteorology, and after many years I feel like I'm part of the brickwork."

From BBC

The current theories of astronomy can't explain why the planets, stars and galaxies came into existence.

From BBC

As he puts it, centuries ago, we believed we were at the centre of the Universe and with each discovery in astronomy we have found ourselves "more displaced" from that point.

From BBC

Related Words

• astrophysics