MEANING
1. Connected with the study or observation of stars, planets, and other objects or processes beyond the earth.
2. So large in amount or scale that it seems far beyond ordinary expectations.
Use it for
describing observations of celestial objects; distinguishing a scientific use from exaggerated size; setting a scene around records of the night skySeparates literal reference to the study of celestial objects from a familiar image of overwhelming magnitude. Writing functions: Cosmic Horror fallback.
Words that belong together
- astronomical observations
- astronomical measurements
- astronomical data
On the page
The astronomical records continued for a week after the station’s last message.
She found no supernatural symbols, only astronomical measurements copied in a careful hand.
The astronomical cost of restoring the house exceeded the value of everything left inside.
By the time he finished counting, the number of missing records seemed astronomical.
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- astronomical
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Usage notes
Adjective: astronomical observations, astronomical distances. Figurative astronomical prices or costs means extremely high. Astronomic is an alternative form, not another entry. No invented comparative or superlative is needed. Register: neutral. Commonness: moderately common; huge-amount use informal (dictionary-informed qualitative editorial estimate; not a measured frequency).
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