meteoroid

the term 'meteoroid' is a modern scientific compound, built directly upon the english word 'meteor'. the greek root 'meteōron' originally described any phenomenon in the sky, from atmospheric events to astronomical bodies. the suffix '-oid', also of greek origin, denotes a resemblance or likeness. thus, a meteoroid is literally a 'meteor-like' object, a term coined to specify the small solid body in space before it enters the earth's atmosphere, distinguishing it from the luminous 'meteor' (the streak of light) it may create and the 'meteorite' it becomes upon impact.

Structure: meteor (celestial phenomenon) + oid (resembling) meteor originates from greek 'meteōron', meaning 'thing high up, celestial phenomenon'. oid is from greek '-oeidēs', meaning 'having the form of, resembling'.