French Conversation · Level 7
87 words
French word
satellite
Pronunciation
IPA/satelit/
Meaning
- masculine nounsatellite
Example
Le satellite tourne autour de la Terre.
The satellite revolves around the Earth.
More examples
Le lancement d'un satellite a été annulé.
The launch of a satellite was called off.
Core concept
A body or machine keeps circling a larger celestial body like an attached companion.
Common phrases
lancement d'un satellite
launch of a satellite
télévision par satellite
television by satellite
orbite d'un satellite
orbit of a satellite
Similar words
lune: A natural body orbiting a planet.
satellite artificiel: A human-made device placed in orbit for observation or communication.
planète: A relatively large celestial body orbiting a star such as the Sun.
étoile: A celestial body that produces its own light and shines in the night sky.
Definition in French
Objet naturel ou fabriqué qui se déplace en orbite autour d'une planète, d'une étoile ou d'un corps plus grand.
Word origin
The noun satellite is a borrowing of Latin satelles, an attendant or companion, whose sense developed toward an orbiting companion in French.
Usage tips
- In formal political usage, un satellite can mean a dependent state or organization, as in un Etat satellite.
Other meanings
- artificial satellitenoun
- natural satellitenoun
- satellite statenoun