Definitions for: Meteor

[n] a streak of light in the sky at night that results when a meteoroid hits the earth's atmosphere and air friction causes the meteoroid to melt or vaporize or explode

Webster (1913) Definition: Me"te*or, n. [F. m['e]t['e]ore, Gr. ?, pl. ? things in
the air, fr. ? high in air, raised off the ground; ? beyond +
?, ?, a suspension or hovering in the air, fr. ? to lift,
raise up.]
1. Any phenomenon or appearance in the atmosphere, as clouds,
rain, hail, snow, etc.

Hail, an ordinary meteor. --Bp. Hall.

2. Specif.: A transient luminous body or appearance seen in
the atmosphere, or in a more elevated region.

The vaulty top of heaven Figured quite o'er with
burning meteors. --Shak.

Note: The term is especially applied to fireballs, and the
masses of stone or other substances which sometimes
fall to the earth; also to shooting stars and to ignes
fatui. Meteors are often classed as: aerial meteors,
winds, tornadoes, etc.; aqueous meteors, rain, hail,
snow, dew, etc.; luminous meteors, rainbows, halos,
etc.; and igneous meteors, lightning, shooting stars,
and the like.

Synonyms: shooting star

See Also: bolide, fireball, light, meteor shower, meteor stream, visible light, visible radiation

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