pluto

n. a dwarf planet in our solar system that used to be called the ninth planet.

n. the largest known dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt, classified as a planet from its discovery in 1930 until 2006.

“Scientists used to teach children that Pluto was the furthest planet from the sun.”

“The reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet sparked significant public debate and forced a revision of many astronomy textbooks.”

n. the Roman god who ruled the world of the dead.

n. the Roman god of the underworld, equivalent to the Greek god Hades.

“In old stories, Pluto lived in a dark kingdom under the earth.”

“Classical literature often depicts Pluto as a stern but just ruler of the souls who have passed into the afterlife.”

n. a famous cartoon dog created by Disney who is Mickey Mouse's pet.

n. a popular animated character from the Disney franchise, typically portrayed as a non-speaking pet dog.

“My children love watching Pluto chase after balls in the old cartoons.”

“Unlike many other Disney characters, Pluto remains a quadrupedal animal and does not wear clothes or speak.”

v. to lower the rank or importance of something, just like the planet was demoted.

v. to demote or devalue someone or something; a neologism inspired by the reclassification of the planet Pluto.

“The company decided to pluto my favorite project because it was too expensive.”

“After the scandal, the board members voted to pluto the executive, stripping him of his title and moving him to a smaller office.”

Informal · American English