Words / B2

uh-STRON-uh-mee/əˈstrɒnəmi/

Astronomy is the scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in space (usually uncountable): an astronomy module; radio astronomy. Astrophysics and cosmology are overlapping sciences; astrology is not science — classic trap. Astronomy in the physics paper is not astrology; plot the orbit from the table. Mix-up: astrology / gastronomy. Do not write astronomy for a horoscope column.

Meaning

The scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in space (usually uncountable).

Examples

• “Astronomy in the physics paper is not astrology; plot the orbit from the table.”
• “Radio astronomy featured in the observatory case, which is the instrument sense.”

Good to know

an astronomy module / evening; radio astronomy. Close: astrophysics / cosmology. Trap: astrology. Physics and geography. The science of stars and planets, not a horoscope.

Near in meaning

astrophysics, cosmology

New