Astronomer

/əˈstrɒnəmə(r)/

nounIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

A scientist who studies the universe, celestial objects, and their properties.

/əˈstrɒnəmə(r)/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A scientist who studies celestial objects.

The astronomer made a groundbreaking discovery about a distant nebula.

💡 Simply: A person who studies stars and space.

More Examples

2

Many young astronomers are inspired by the works of Carl Sagan.

How It's Used

Science

"The astronomer spent years studying the distant galaxies."

Education

"Many aspiring astronomers start their journey with amateur telescopes."

From Middle French astronome, from Late Latin astronomus, from Greek ἀστρονόμος (astronomos), from ἄστρον (astron, "star") + νόμος (nomos, "law"). Essentially, "one who studies the laws of the stars."

The term 'astronomer' has been used in its current sense since the Renaissance, reflecting the increasing sophistication of astronomical observations and theory.

Memory tip

Think 'astro' (stars) and 'nomos' (law) – they study the laws governing stars and the cosmos.

astronomorastronomererastronomist

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written