Planetoid
/ˈplæn.ɪ.tɔɪd/noun
A small celestial body resembling a planet, especially an asteroid.
Did you know?Planetoid was coined in the 19th century from Greek roots that mean “wandering star” + “form,” so even its name carries the old sky-magic of planets before astronomy separated them from stars.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
planētēs
“a wandering star; a planet”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-eidos
“form, shape, appearance”
19th Century
English
planetoid
“planet-like; resembling a planet”
Modern English
English
planetoid
“a small celestial body resembling a planet”