any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter)

a term used to describe asteroids and most astronomers agree that Pluto is no asteroid

Another term for an asteroid.

asteroid or rocky Kuiper Belt object

Another name used to describe a large asteroid.

Another name for an asteroid.

See asteroid.

Term used to describe a large asteroid

asteroid. [AHDOS

Minor planets, or asteroids or planetoids, are minor celestial bodies of the Solar system orbiting the Sun (mostly Small solar system bodies) that are smaller than major planets, but larger than meteoroids (commonly defined as being 10 meters across or less), and that are not comets. The distinction is made on visual appearance when discovered: comets must show a perceptible coma, and they get listed in their own catalogs. Minor planets in contrast appear star-like ("asteroid", ancient Greek Aστήρ, astēr = star); they get a provisional designation by year in the order of discovery, and a designation (a sequential number) and name if their existence is well established and an orbit has been determined.