Origin of satellite
1540–50; 1955–60
for def 2; < Latin
satellit- (stem of
satelles) attendant, member of bodyguard or retinue
OTHER WORDS FROM satellite
sat·el·lit·ed, adjectiveWords nearby satellite
satb,
satchel,
satcom,
sate,
sateen,
satellite,
satellite abscess,
satellite broadcasting,
satellite cell,
satellite chromosome,
satellite city
Example sentences from the Web for satellite
British Dictionary definitions for satellite
satellite
/ (ˈsætəˌlaɪt) /
noun
verb
(tr)
to transmit by communications satellite
Word Origin for satellite
C16: from Latin
satelles an attendant, probably of Etruscan origin
Medical definitions for satellite
satellite
[ săt′l-īt′ ]
n.
A minor structure accompanying a more important or larger one.
A short segment of a chromosome separated from the rest by a constriction, typically associated with the formation of a nucleolus.
A colony of microorganisms whose growth in culture medium is enhanced by certain substances produced by another colony in its proximity.
Scientific definitions for satellite
satellite
[ săt′l-īt′ ]
A small body in orbit around a larger body. See Note at moon.
An object launched to orbit Earth or another celestial body. Satellites are used for research, communications, weather information, and navigation. The first artificial Earth satellite was Sputnik 1, launched by the Soviet Union in October 1957; the first successful American satellite was launched in January 1958.
Cultural definitions for satellite (1 of 3)
satellite
In politics, a nation that is dominated politically by another. The Warsaw Pact nations, other than the former Soviet Union itself, were commonly called satellites of the Soviet Union.
Cultural definitions for satellite (2 of 3)
satellite
In astronomy, an object, whether natural (such as the moon) or artificial (such as a weather observation satellite), that revolves around a central body. (See under “World Politics.”)
Cultural definitions for satellite (3 of 3)
satellite
Any object in orbit about some body capable of exerting a gravitational (see gravitation) force. Artificial satellites in orbit around the Earth have many uses, including relaying communication signals, making accurate surveys and inventories of the Earth's surface and weather patterns, and carrying out scientific experiments.