Satellite
/ˈsætəlaɪt/
Definitions
4 meaningsAn artificial object placed in orbit around the earth or another celestial body.
/ˈsætəlaɪt/
The launch of a new weather satellite is scheduled for next month.
💡 Simply: Imagine a little robot or a giant camera that flies in space around the Earth. It helps us with things like watching the weather, sending TV signals, and helping us use the internet all over the world. It’s like a super-powered remote control for Earth!
👶 For kids: A satellite is a thing that goes around the Earth in space. It helps us with TV, the internet, and the weather!
More Examples
Satellites provide crucial data for navigation systems.
Many countries are developing their own satellite programs.
The government is planning to use a network of satellites for disaster relief.
How It's Used
"Scientists use satellites to gather data about the Earth's atmosphere."
"Telecommunication companies rely on satellites for global internet and broadcasting services."
A natural celestial body (moon) orbiting a planet.
/ˈsætəlaɪt/
Jupiter has numerous natural satellites, including the Galilean moons.
💡 Simply: Just like the little robot in space, the Moon is also a 'satellite,' but it goes around our Earth, like a friend or companion.
👶 For kids: A satellite can also be a moon! The Moon is a satellite of the Earth.
More Examples
Scientists are studying the satellites of Saturn to search for signs of life.
The discovery of new satellites around distant planets is an ongoing endeavor.
How It's Used
"The moon is a natural satellite of the Earth."
A country or organization that is controlled by a more powerful one.
/ˈsætəlaɪt/
The economic policies of the region were often influenced by its satellite nations.
💡 Simply: Imagine a smaller country that has a close relationship with a bigger, more powerful country. The smaller one follows the larger one's decisions, kind of like the moon goes around Earth. This can be because of money, military, or other types of influence.
👶 For kids: A satellite can be a country that is controlled by a bigger country.
More Examples
Historians analyze the relationships between the major powers and their satellites during times of conflict.
The government's foreign policy was criticized for its dealings with satellite states.
How It's Used
"During the Cold War, many Eastern European countries were considered Soviet satellites."
Relating to, or resembling a satellite.
/ˈsætəlaɪt/
The research team established a satellite laboratory to conduct specialized experiments.
💡 Simply: Like when a smaller branch or office is connected to a bigger headquarters; just like our space robot being part of a larger system. It is a 'satellite' office
👶 For kids: Satellite can also mean something is connected to the main thing.
More Examples
The hospital opened a satellite clinic to provide healthcare services in a rural area.
The satellite campus offers courses that are also available at the main university.
How It's Used
"The company has a satellite office in the neighboring town."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
satellite office
A branch office located away from the main office.
"The company opened a satellite office in the suburbs to serve a wider customer base."
satellite dish
A parabolic antenna used to receive signals from communication satellites.
"The satellite dish is mounted on the roof to receive television signals."
From Latin *satelles* ('attendant'), via Old French *satellite*.
The term 'satellite' was used in astronomy long before the space age, referring to moons orbiting planets. Its use expanded in the 20th century with the advent of artificial satellites.
Memory tip
Think of a tiny 'satellite' (the word's core sound) orbiting a larger planet.
Word Origin
"attendant"