planetesimal

noun/ˌplænɪˈtɛsɪməl/

Frequency rank: #19,991 most common English word

Meaning

A small solid celestial body that existed in the early solar system and could combine with others to form planets.

Illustration for the English word “planetesimal”

Example sentence

Scientists believe that planets formed through the gradual collision and merging of countless planetesimal bodies in the early solar system.

Synonyms & related words

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