inferior planet

noun Astronomy.

either of the two planets whose orbits are inside the orbit of the earth: Venus and Mercury.
Compare superior planet.

Words nearby inferior planet

inferior oblique muscle of head, inferior ophthalmic vein, inferior ovary, inferior petrosal sinus, inferior phrenic vein, inferior planet, inferior pulmonary vein, inferior rectal nerve, inferior rectal vein, inferior rectus muscle, inferior retinaculum of extensor muscles

British Dictionary definitions for inferior planet

inferior planet

noun

either of the planets Mercury and Venus, whose orbits lie inside that of the earth

Scientific definitions for inferior planet

inferior planet

Either of the planets Mercury or Venus, whose orbits lie between Earth and the Sun. Because these planets lie in the general direction of the Sun, they can only be seen a few hours before sunrise or after sunset and are always positioned relatively near the horizon, never overhead. Inferior planets go through a complete cycle of phases as viewed from Earth, although their full phase, which occurs on the far side of the Sun, is lost in its glare. Compare superior planet. See also inner planet.