Trojan asteroid

noun

variants or Trojan

plural -s

: an asteroid whose average position is at one corner of an equilateral triangle formed with the sun and the planet Jupiter either eastward or westward of the planet

Word History

Etymology

so called from its being one of the group whose members bear the names of Trojan heroes

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now