comet
UK[ˈkɒmɪt]US[ˈkɑːmɪt]
n
a celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust and, when near the sun, a ‘tail’ of gas and dust particles pointing away from the sun.
Etymology
the word 'comet' originates from the greek term 'komētēs', an adjective meaning 'long-haired', derived from 'komē' (hair). this was applied to celestial bodies due to their distinctive, hair-like luminous tails. latin adopted it as 'cometa', which passed into old english and later middle english. the ancient greeks, observing these 'hairy stars' as portents, provided a vivid descriptive term that has endured, linking the object's visual appearance directly to its name for over two millennia.
Analysis
the word 'comet' is a simplex loanword from latin 'cometa', which was borrowed from greek 'komētēs', meaning 'long-haired (star)'. it is not productively segmented into smaller morphemes in modern english.
Examples
halley's comet is visible from earth approximately every 76 years.
the comet's spectacular tail was caused by solar radiation.
astronomers discovered a new comet in the outer solar system.