minor planet

/ˈmaɪnər ˌplænət/

Other forms: minor planets

Definitions of minor planet

1. noun

   any of numerous small celestial bodies that move around the sun
   synonyms: planetoid

   examples:

   Quaoar

   a planetoid discovered in 2002

   Sedna

   a planetoid of rock and ice about three-quarters the size of Pluto discovered in 2003; the most distant object known to orbit around the sun

   types:

   asteroid

   any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter)

   KBO, Kuiper belt object

   any of many minor planets in the Kuiper belt outside the orbit of Neptune at the edge of the solar system

   Chiron

   an asteroid discovered in 1977; it is unique in having an orbit lying mainly between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus

   type of:

   celestial body, heavenly body

   a natural object visible in the sky