astéroïde

asteroid

noun as-teh-ro-EED Rare

Origin: Greek asteroeides (star-like), from aster (star) + -oeides (resembling)

Usage Note

Astéroïde is masculine despite its -e ending, a common trap for learners. It refers specifically to a rocky body orbiting the Sun, smaller than a planet. The Astéroïde B-612 is famous as the home of the Little Prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's novel, making the word culturally resonant in French. The related adjective astéroïdal exists in scientific texts.

Examples

"Un astéroïde a frôlé la Terre hier soir."

Natural Translation

An asteroid grazed the Earth last night.

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