planetesimal

(plan′ə tes′i məl, -tez-)

noun

in various theories about the origin of the solar system, any of the small, cold masses of rock or ice that merged to form a planet

Origin: planet + (infinit)esimal

See planetesimal in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of innumerable small bodies thought to have orbited the sun during the formation of the planets.

Origin:

Origin: planet

Origin: + (infinit)esimal

Related Forms:

Learn more about planetesimal

planetesimal science

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD