Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'meteor'

English Word: meteor

Key Russian Translations:

• метеор [mʲɪˈtʲe.ɔr] - [Formal, Scientific context]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in scientific, astronomical, or educational contexts; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires familiarity with scientific vocabulary and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метеор: [mʲɪˈtʲe.ɔr]

Note on метеор: The stress is on the second syllable ("tʲe"), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the palatalized 'т' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A celestial body that enters Earth's atmosphere, often visible as a streak of light

Translation(s) & Context:

• метеор - Used in formal scientific discussions, astronomy texts, or educational materials; refers specifically to the visible phenomenon, not the object itself (which is a "метеороид" in some contexts).

Usage Examples:

• Вчера ночью мы наблюдали, как метеор пронёсся по небу.

  Last night, we observed a meteor streaking across the sky.

• Метеор оставил за собой яркий след в атмосфере Земли.

  The meteor left a bright trail in Earth's atmosphere.

• Во время метеорного дождя небо заполняется множеством метеоров.

  During a meteor shower, the sky is filled with numerous meteors.

• Астрономы изучают траекторию метеора для понимания его происхождения.

  Astronomers study the trajectory of the meteor to understand its origin.

• Метеор, который мы видели, был частью ежегодного метеорного потока.

  The meteor we saw was part of the annual meteor stream.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метеор" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, borrowed from Greek via English. It follows the standard third declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections. However, as a scientific term, it is often used in its base form without much variation in everyday contexts.

Note: The plural form is less common and used when referring to multiple meteors, such as in a shower. There are no irregular inflections for this word.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • падающая звезда (falling star) - More poetic or informal term, often used in literature or casual descriptions.
  • болид (bolide) - Refers to a very bright meteor, with a more specific scientific connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • None directly applicable, as "метеор" is a specific phenomenon without a clear opposite in astronomical contexts.

Related Phrases:

• Метеорный дождь - A meteor shower; commonly used in weather or astronomy forecasts to describe periodic events.
• Падение метеора - Meteor fall; Refers to the event of a meteor impacting or entering the atmosphere.
• Метеорный поток - Meteor stream; Used in scientific discussions about recurring meteor events, like the Perseids.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "метеор" directly corresponds to the English "meteor" in scientific contexts, but English speakers should note that it is less frequently used in casual conversation compared to English. It is typically formal and appears in educational or technical writing. When choosing between translations, use "метеор" for precise astronomical references; for more everyday language, "падающая звезда" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case requirements in sentences, such as in prepositional phrases (e.g., "в метеоре" for "in the meteor"). Avoid direct word-for-word translations from English sentences to prevent awkward phrasing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "метеор" interchangeably with "комета" (comet), as both involve celestial objects.

  Correct Usage: Комета имеет хвост и орбиту, в то время как метеор - это кратковременное явление. (A comet has a tail and an orbit, whereas a meteor is a short-lived phenomenon.)

  Explanation: English learners often confuse these due to similar appearances, but "комета" refers to a larger, long-period object, while "метеор" is specifically the atmospheric entry.

• Error: Failing to decline "метеор" in sentences, e.g., saying "с метеор" instead of "с метеором".

  Correct Usage: Мы говорим о метеоре, а не о метеор. (We talk about the meteor, not just "meteor".)

  Explanation: Russian requires noun declension based on case; ignoring this makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and hard to understand.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, meteors and shooting stars are often associated with folklore and superstition, similar to many traditions worldwide. For instance, seeing a "метеор" might prompt wishes, much like in English-speaking cultures, but in Russian literature (e.g., works by Tolstoy or modern sci-fi), they symbolize ephemerality or cosmic wonder. Historically, events like the Tunguska meteor in 1908 have shaped Russian scientific interest and public awareness of meteors as potential hazards.

Related Concepts:

• комета (comet)
• астероид (asteroid)
• метеороид (meteoroid)