bolide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bolide” mean?
An extremely bright meteor, especially one that explodes in the atmosphere.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extremely bright meteor, especially one that explodes in the atmosphere; a fireball.
In astronomy, a large, exceptionally bright meteor that often fragments or explodes, sometimes producing audible sounds or leaving a persistent trail. In geology, it can refer to a large impact crater-forming meteorite. In informal usage, it can describe something that moves with great speed and brilliance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in both general and scientific registers in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “bolide” in a Sentence
The [adjective] bolide was seen over [location].Scientists are studying the [noun] of the bolide.A bolide [verb, e.g., exploded, lit up] the night sky.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bolide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form]
American English
- [No standard adjective form]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in astronomy, planetary science, and geology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might appear in news reports about spectacular meteor events.
Technical
The primary context of use, with precise definitions in meteoritics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bolide”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bolide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolide”
- Pronouncing it as /bɒˈliːd/ or /ˈbɒl.ɪd/.
- Using it as a general synonym for any meteor.
- Confusing it with 'comet' or 'asteroid'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bolide is an exceptionally bright meteor, typically brighter than the planet Venus, and often explodes or fragments. A regular meteor is any small particle from space burning up in the atmosphere, usually much fainter.
In English, it almost never does. The primary meaning is astronomical. The use of 'bolide' for a fast car is very rare and likely influenced by other languages (e.g., French, Italian) or brand names.
Several thousand occur in Earth's atmosphere each year, but most go unnoticed as they happen over oceans or uninhabited areas. Major, widely observed events are rare, perhaps a few per decade.
Most explode high in the atmosphere and pose no threat. However, very large bolides can fragment and produce meteorite falls or, in extremely rare cases, cause damage from shock waves, as with the 2013 Chelyabinsk event.
An extremely bright meteor, especially one that explodes in the atmosphere.
Bolide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bolide: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊ.laɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊ.laɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BOLT of light' + 'glIDE' = BOLIDE, a bright object gliding and bolting across the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOLIDE IS A CELESTIAL BOMB / A BOLIDE IS A SKY-SCRIBING FIREBRAND.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'bolide' primarily used?