ENGLISH
REFERENCE

astronomy

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //əˈstɹɑnəmi// UK //ɐstɹˈɒnəmi// as·tron·o·my Archaic

n. the scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in space. It looks at how these things move and what they are made of.

n. the branch of science that deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. Modern usage refers specifically to the scientific discipline rather than the historical or astrological context.


SIMPLE

She decided to study astronomy to learn about the solar system.

CONTEXTUAL

Advances in telescope technology have allowed the field of astronomy to observe galaxies billions of light-years away.

COMPLEX

While ancient civilizations used astronomy primarily for navigation and timekeeping, modern researchers utilize it to probe the fundamental laws of physics through the observation of distant black holes.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English astronomie, astronemy, from Old French astronomie, equivalent to astro- + -nomy. Displaced native Old English tungolcræft.

Usage

Uncountable; typically used without an article when referring to the field of study.

Pitfall

He is interested in the astrology.He is interested in astronomy.Learners often confuse 'astronomy' (the science) with 'astrology' (the belief that stars influence human events).

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