small solar system body: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical/Specialist)Formal, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “small solar system body” mean?
An object in the Solar System that is neither a planet, a dwarf planet, nor a natural satellite.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An object in the Solar System that is neither a planet, a dwarf planet, nor a natural satellite.
A catch-all classification for most objects orbiting the Sun, including asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and trans-Neptunian objects (except those classified as dwarf planets). It is a formal astronomical term defined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Used exclusively in astronomical and planetary science contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “small solar system body” in a Sentence
[The/Several] small solar system bodies [orbit/collide with/are studied].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “small solar system body” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The new telescope survey aims to catalogue thousands of hitherto unknown small solar system bodies.
- Pluto's reclassification left it as the king of the small solar system bodies.
American English
- NASA's mission will rendezvous with a small solar system body in the asteroid belt.
- The IAU's definition clarified the status of small solar system bodies versus dwarf planets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in astronomy, astrophysics, and planetary science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The definitive context. Used in IAU resolutions, technical reports, and scientific discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “small solar system body”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “small solar system body”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “small solar system body”
- Capitalizing the term (it is not a proper noun).
- Using it interchangeably with 'asteroid' or 'comet' (it is the umbrella category).
- Omitting 'solar system' and just saying 'small body' (which is vaguer).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all asteroids (except the dwarf planet Ceres) are classified as small solar system bodies.
It was created by the IAU in 2006 as part of the new planetary definition to provide a clear category for all objects that did not meet the criteria for being a planet or a dwarf planet.
A dwarf planet is massive enough for its own gravity to pull it into a nearly round shape (hydrostatic equilibrium) but has not cleared its orbit. A small solar system body has not cleared its orbit AND is not in hydrostatic equilibrium, so it has an irregular shape.
No. By definition, natural satellites (moons) are excluded from the category of small solar system bodies, even if they are small and irregularly shaped.
An object in the Solar System that is neither a planet, a dwarf planet, nor a natural satellite.
Small solar system body is usually formal, technical, scientific in register.
Small solar system body: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsmɔːl ˌsəʊ.lə ˈsɪs.təm ˌbɒd.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsmɑːl ˌsoʊ.lɚ ˈsɪs.təm ˌbɑː.di/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None (technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Solar System as a royal court: the 'planets' are the king and major nobles, 'dwarf planets' are minor lords, 'moons' are their attendants, and 'small solar system bodies' are everyone else in the kingdom.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SOLAR SYSTEM IS A SOCIETY (with different classes of members).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a small solar system body?