noun

satellite

satellite

A new satellite was launched into orbit.

A new satellite was launched into orbit.

The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth.

The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth.

((a/the)) satellite (singular) a celestial or artificial body orbiting a planet A satellite provides television signals.

((natural/artificial)) satellite (adjective) + satellite The Moon is a natural satellite.

Synonyms: moon, orbiter, spacecraft

From Latin 'satelles' meaning 'attendant' or 'guard'. It originally referred to an attendant of a powerful person.

Imagine it 'sat' watching over the Earth. The '-ellite' part sounds like 'little', so a 'little thing that sat' and watches.

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