Definitions
(noun)
comet; broom
Etymology
Pictograph of a hand holding a broom.
About
The character 彗, now used almost exclusively for comet, etymologically derives from a depiction of a broom, with its structure comprising two repeated components resembling 丰 set above the component 彐, representing a hand. In early Chinese texts, 彗 directly denoted a broom, reflecting its original meaning as a sweeping tool. The association with celestial bodies emerged from the visual analogy between a comet's tail and a broom's motion, leading to the compound term 彗星, meaning broom star. Over time, the astronomical reference became dominant, and the standalone character 彗 shifted to specifically indicate comet, while its initial sense as broom faded from common use.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
昨晚我看到了彗星。
彗星拖着长长的尾巴。
科学家正在研究这颗彗星。
彗星每七十六年回归一次。
通过望远镜观察彗星很有趣。
这颗彗星的轨道非常椭圆。
彗星主要由冰和尘埃组成。
天文学家预测彗星将在下周最亮。