Skip to content

satellite

satellite

noun sah-teh-LEET Less Common

Origin: Latin satelles (attendant, guard)

Usage Note

Satellite covers both an artificial orbiting satellite and a natural moon. The phrase télévision par satellite (satellite television) is common. It is also used figuratively for a person or country under the influence of another: un État satellite.

Examples

"Le satellite transmet des images en direct."

Natural Translation

The satellite transmits live images.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic