giant planet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. 'Giant planet' is the broader category. 'Gas giants' (Jupiter, Saturn) are mostly hydrogen/helium. 'Ice giants' (Uranus, Neptune) are a subclass of giant planet with more 'ices' like water, ammonia, methane.

Yes, absolutely. It is a standard term in exoplanet astronomy to classify large, gaseous planets discovered orbiting other stars, often called 'hot Jupiters' if they orbit very close to their star.

Earth is a 'terrestrial' or 'rocky' planet. It has a solid surface and is composed primarily of silicate rocks and metals. Giant planets lack a solid surface in the traditional sense and are dominated by gaseous and liquid states of light elements.

Typically not. It is a common open compound noun, like 'coffee table'. It may be hyphenated when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'giant-planet formation'), but practices vary. In astronomy texts, the open form is most frequent.

An extremely large celestial body orbiting a star, primarily composed of gas (hydrogen and helium) rather than rock or metal.

Giant planet is usually formal/scientific; occasionally metaphorical in informal contexts. in register.

Giant planet: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒaɪ.ənt ˈplæn.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒaɪ.ənt ˈplæn.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.