Protoplanet - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A protoplanet is a large planetary embryo that forms in the early stages of a solar system’s development. It grows by accumulating dust and gas, eventually becoming a planet.
Definition:
A large body of matter in orbit around a star, developing into a planet.
Synonyms:
planetesimal, planetary embryo, pre-planet
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
star, black hole
Common Collocations:
protoplanetary disk, early solar system, planetary formation
Derivatives:
protoplanetary, protoplanetism
Usage Tips:
Use "protoplanet" to describe celestial bodies in the process of becoming planets, not fully formed ones.
Common Phrases:
early protoplanet stage, protoplanet collision, protoplanet accretion
Etymology:
From Greek "protos" (first) + "planet," meaning an early stage of planetary formation.
Examples:
- 1. The protoplanet slowly gathered dust and gas from its surroundings.
- 2. Scientists study protoplanets to understand how planets form.
- 3. A collision between two protoplanets can create a larger body.
- 4. Protoplanets often exist in young star systems with debris disks.