planetary

Everyday

1. Planetary means to do with planets. tree →
2. Planetary can mean to do with the whole Earth, affecting the whole world. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on space, planetary orbits, planetary rings and planetary scientists are part of studying the Solar System. In geography and news, «planetary health» or «planetary crisis» means problems that affect the whole Earth. In stories, a planetary system is a star with planets around it. Common phrases: «planetary orbit», «planetary system», «planetary science», «planetary nebula», «on a planetary scale».

Examples

• Saturn's planetary rings are made of ice and rock. tree →
• A planetary scientist studies Mars and other planets. tree →
• Our Solar System is one planetary system among many. tree →
• The planetary orbits are shaped like stretched circles called ellipses. tree →
• Climate change is a problem on a planetary scale. tree →
• We built a planetary model with balls and wire. tree →
• A planetary nebula is the glowing gas left by a dying star. tree →

Note

Say PLAN-it-ree or PLAN-it-air-ee. From «planet» + «-ary». Trap: a «planetary nebula» has nothing to do with planets — the name came from how it looked in old telescopes.