celestial body

noun

variants or less commonly celestial object

plural celestial bodies also celestial objects

: an aggregation of matter in the universe (such as a planet, star, or nebula) that can be considered as a single unit (as for astronomical study)

But many scientists began seriously rethinking their notions of the solar system in 1992, when we identified a small celestial body—just a few hundred kilometers across—sited farther from the sun than any of the known planets.

—Jane X. Luu et al.

As the observer looks at a star or other celestial body its light rays pass through a single point on the earth's surface.

—Dutton's Navigation and Piloting, 14th edition

A black hole forms when a star or other celestial object collapses under the pull of its own gravity.

—Mary Durack Miller

called also heavenly body

Examples of celestial body in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When these two celestial bodies join forces to form a harmonious trine, the results are electrifying. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025

Previously, scientists suggested Charon had formed through another scenario: A celestial body catastrophically smashed into Pluto, generating a massive amount heat from the impact that would have made the bodies behave in a fluid-like manner, like silly putty or blobs in a lava lamp. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025

According to the researchers, a binary system happens when two celestial bodies orbit around the same center, similar to two figure skaters spinning while holding hands. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025

As Earth passes through the debris trail left by this celestial body, tiny particles enter our atmosphere at high speeds, burning up and creating bright streaks of light known as meteors or shooting stars. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above