dwarf planet
nounEtymology Coined by analogy with dwarf star, as part of a tripartite classification of planets: classical planets (the big 8 in the Sol system), satellite planets (planetary-mass moons) and dwarf planets. Redefined by the IAU in 2006 to be a category of sub-planetary objects.
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Astronomy, Natural sciences A planetary (world-like) body of the Solar system, that directly orbits the Sun like the classical planets but does not gravitationally dominate other bodies in the region of its orbit.
- A member of the Fomor Belt, Bres is a dwarf planet with no atmosphere.2010, BioWare, Mass Effect 2 (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Bres:
- Related terms
- dwarf planetary, major planet, planetary object, satellite planet, protoplanet
- Hyponyms
- double dwarf planet, Ceres, Eris, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, Gonggong, Quaoar, Sedna, possibly also Orcus, Salacia