meteor
B1neutral
Definition
Meaning
A small piece of rock or metal from space that burns brightly as it enters Earth's atmosphere, commonly known as a 'shooting star'.
Any transient atmospheric phenomenon (meteorological or astronomical). Figuratively, a person or thing that achieves sudden, brilliant success but is short-lived.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is most commonly used in its astronomical sense. The related terms 'meteoroid' (in space), 'meteor' (in the atmosphere), and 'meteorite' (on the ground) form a precise scientific distinction, but 'meteor' is the most frequent and familiar in general use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical in both variants. Figurative use ('a meteor in politics') is understood equally.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American media due to larger coverage of astronomical events, but difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
A meteor [streaked/flashed/burned] across the sky.We saw a meteor last night.The annual meteor shower peaks tonight.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a meteor in the [sporting/political/fashion] firmament (figurative: a brilliantly but briefly successful person).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in figurative use: 'The company was a meteor in the tech industry, burning out within two years.'
Academic
Common in astronomy, geology, and atmospheric science papers, used with precise definitions distinguishing meteoroid, meteor, meteorite.
Everyday
Common when discussing astronomical events like meteor showers or describing a bright light seen crossing the night sky.
Technical
A luminous phenomenon resulting from the ablation of a meteoroid as it passes through a planetary atmosphere.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Meteor' is not commonly used as a verb.
American English
- 'Meteor' is not commonly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- 'Meteor' does not have a standard adverbial form.
American English
- 'Meteor' does not have a standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The meteor shower was a spectacular sight over the Yorkshire Dales.
- Her rise in the company was truly meteoric.
American English
- We drove out to the desert to get the best view of the meteor shower.
- The rookie player had a meteoric rise to stardom.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look! A meteor!
- I saw a shooting star.
- We stayed up late to watch the meteor shower.
- A bright meteor flashed across the dark sky.
- The annual Perseid meteor shower is caused by debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle.
- Scientists study meteors to learn about the composition of the solar system.
- His political career was as brief and brilliant as a meteor, ending in sudden scandal.
- Spectroscopic analysis of the meteor's trail revealed traces of magnesium and iron.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ME + THEORy' – I have a theory about that bright light (ME) in the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS A BRIGHT, FAST-MOVING OBJECT IN THE SKY (e.g., 'his career was meteoric').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'метеор' (high-speed hydrofoil boat). The Russian word 'метеорит' corresponds to 'meteorite'. The general 'shooting star' concept is 'метеор'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'meteor' to refer to the rock *after* it has landed (correct: meteorite). Confusing 'meteor' with 'comet' (a different icy celestial body).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary figurative meaning of describing someone as 'meteoric'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A meteoroid is the solid object in space. When it enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, creating a streak of light, it's a meteor. If any part of it survives and lands on Earth, that piece is a meteorite.
Yes, 'shooting star' and 'falling star' are common, non-scientific synonyms for a meteor.
No, 'meteor' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'meteoric'.
It describes something, typically a career, rise to fame, or success, that is spectacular, very fast, and often short-lived (e.g., 'a meteoric rise to the top', 'she was a meteor in the art world').
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