Planet X

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. A hypothetical planet in the Solar system, beyond the currently known outermost planet. (The term was applied to Eris for a short while, when Pluto was still considered the ninth planet.)
  2. A theoretical planet responsible for reported gravitational perturbations of Neptune's orbit. (This was initially believed to be Pluto. The reported perturbations were an error.)
  3. A theoretical planet responsible for observed gravitational perturbations of Uranus' orbit. (This planet was discovered and is now known as Neptune.)

Pronunciation

/ˈplænɪt ɛks/

Word forms

Planet X

Etymology

X represents an unknown as opposed to the Roman numeral for 10 (initially, Planet X would have been the ninth planet).

Related words

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