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astronomical unit
noun
: a unit of length used in astronomy equal to the mean distance of the earth from the sun or about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers)
Examples of astronomical unit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Calculations found that the outer star is 3,500 astronomical units (AU) away from the black hole.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024
The numbers on the graph depict AUs, or astronomical units.
—James Wray, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024
The Solar Orbiter ventures between 1 astronomical unit, where the Earth is, and 0.3 astronomical units, a little closer to the Sun than Mercury.
—Yeimy J. Rivera, Discover Magazine, 6 Sep. 2024
Based on their models, its reach would have shrunk to 0.22 astronomical units—or just about a fifth of the distance between the Earth and sun—leaving our planet outside the star’s protective field.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 June 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1848, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of astronomical unit was
in 1848
Dictionary Entries Near astronomical unit
Cite this Entry
“Astronomical unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomical%20unit. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
astronomical unit
noun
: a unit of length used in astronomy equal to the average distance of the earth from the sun or about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers)
More from Merriam-Webster on astronomical unit
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about astronomical unit
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