Outer Planet (Noun)
Meaning
(astronomy) a major planet whose orbit is outside the asteroid belt (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The outer planets in our solar system are much larger and more massive than the inner planets.
- Jupiter is the largest of the outer planets, with a diameter of over 89,000 miles.
- The outer planets are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium gases, which gives them their characteristic atmospheres.
- Uranus and Neptune are often referred to as the ice giants, a subcategory of the outer planets.
- Pluto was previously considered an outer planet, but it is now classified as a dwarf planet by most astronomers.