astronomical

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English[edit]

WOTD – 17 August 2007

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Attested since at least 1550, from Middle French astronomique or directly from Latin astronomicus, from Ancient Greek ἀστρονομικός (astronomikós).

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˌæs.tɹəˈnɒm.ɪ.kəl/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌæs.tɹəˈnɑm.ɪ.kəl/
  • Audio (US)(file)
  • Audio (AU)(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɒmɪkəl

Adjective[edit]

astronomical (comparative more astronomical, superlative most astronomical)

  1. (not comparable, astronomy) Of or relating to astronomy.
    • 1839, Edgar Allan Poe, The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion:
      Finally, all men saw that astronomical knowledge lied not, and they awaited the comet.
    • 2012 March, Brian Hayes, “Pixels or Perish”, in American Scientist‎[1], volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 19 February 2013, page 106:
      Drawings and pictures are more than mere ornaments in scientific discourse. Blackboard sketches, geological maps, diagrams of molecular structure, astronomical photographs, MRI images, the many varieties of statistical charts and graphs: These pictorial devices are indispensable tools for presenting evidence, for explaining a theory, for telling a story.
  2. (comparable) Very large; of vast measure.
    • 1959, Andre Norton, Voodoo Planet - Chapter IV:
      At the moment he wondered why anyone would want to visit Khatka, let alone pay some astronomical sum for the privilege.
    • 1962 June, “Letters to the Editor: Diesel suburban services in Bristol”, in Modern Railways, page 430:
      The cost of such a work now, of course, would be astronomical.

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