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

Up to 50 influencers and cosmic content creators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are invited to register to attend the media circus surrounding the Europa Clipper mission, which will send an orbiter on a six-year journey to reach the icy celestial body. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024

The Prairie Campus, home to the oldest offices at Epic, has buildings named after celestial bodies like stars, planets and galaxies. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2024

There are also people who look at the movement of celestial bodies or the earthly elements to determine where to put their cash. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2024

Could other celestial bodies exhibit a similar process? —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined above