geminid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Astronomical
Quick answer
What does “geminid” mean?
A member of a prominent annual meteor shower appearing to radiate from the constellation Gemini.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a prominent annual meteor shower appearing to radiate from the constellation Gemini.
Specifically, any of the meteors associated with the Geminid shower, which is notable for its intensity and reliability each December. The shower is caused by debris from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, used only within the specific astronomical context.
Grammar
How to Use “geminid” in a Sentence
The Geminids (plural noun) + verbA Geminid (singular noun) + verbGeminid + (meteor/shower/peak)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “geminid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Geminid shower radiant is near Castor.
American English
- Geminid meteor rates were high last night.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in astronomy, physics, and earth science papers and discussions.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of news reports about meteor showers or hobbyist astronomy conversations.
Technical
Core term in meteor astronomy for identifying and classifying meteor shower particles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “geminid”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “geminid”
- Misspelling as 'Geminiad' or 'Gemenid'. Incorrect pluralisation as 'Geminides'. Using it as a verb or adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Geminid meteor shower is active annually from about December 4th to December 17th, with its peak typically around December 13th or 14th.
They are named after the constellation Gemini because the meteors appear to radiate, or originate, from a point within that constellation.
Yes. Their source body is an asteroid (3200 Phaethon), not a comet, which is unusual. They are also known for being relatively slow-moving and often bright.
Yes, though less common. You can refer to a single meteor from the shower as 'a Geminid' (e.g., 'I just saw a brilliant Geminid!').
A member of a prominent annual meteor shower appearing to radiate from the constellation Gemini.
Geminid is usually technical / astronomical in register.
Geminid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɛmɪnɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɛməˌnɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the twin stars of GEMINI giving birth to (-nid) a shower of shooting stars.
Conceptual Metaphor
A celestial event is a performance (e.g., 'The Geminids put on a show').
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of the Geminids?