astr
astr — combining form
1. a word part meaning 'star' or 'outer space,' used at the start of scientific wor
a word part meaning 'star' or 'outer space,' used at the start of scientific words like astronomy (the study of stars) and astronaut (someone who travels into space)
Priya checked the astronomy app on her phone to find Venus and Jupiter.
word formation: astr- + -onomy = astronomy (study of stars)
The astronaut on the space station sent a video message to schoolchildren in Lagos.
Hiroshi photographed the asteroid as it passed close to Earth last month.
Mei-Ling dreams of working at an astrophysics lab after finishing her university degree.
The astronomical event drew hundreds of people to the hilltop with blankets and hot tea.
文法句型
astr- + suffix
astro- + suffix
用法筆記
This is the most common sense of 'astr-'. It appears in scientific words about stars and the universe. The form 'astro-' (with an 'o') is used before most consonants, while 'astr-' appears before vowels.
常見錯誤
2. a word part used in words connected with astrology — the belief system that clai
a word part used in words connected with astrology — the belief system that claims the positions of stars and planets can tell us about human lives and the future
The astrologer told Diego that the coming year would bring him three new friendships.
word formation: astr- + -ologer = astrologer
Fatima read her astrological birth chart out of curiosity, not deep belief.
Ancient Babylonian priests kept detailed astrological records on large clay tablets.
Sven laughed at the idea that astrology could predict his exam results.
文法句型
astr- + -ology
astr- + -ologer
astr- + -ological
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (STAR AND SPACE): words in this sense relate to astrology (a belief system), not astronomy (a science). 'Astrology' and 'astronomy' share the same root but refer to different fields.
常見錯誤
3. a word part used in cell biology for structures that have a star-like shape, suc
a word part used in cell biology for structures that have a star-like shape, such as certain cells and the fibres that form during cell division
Under the microscope, astrocytes formed a delicate network around the brain cells.
word formation: astr- + -cyte = astrocyte (star-shaped cell)
The lab diagram showed astral fibres pulling chromosomes apart during cell division.
Ifeoma's biology lecturer drew an astrosphere on the whiteboard to explain mitosis.
Researchers found that damaged astrocytes play a role in several brain diseases.
文法句型
astr- + -ocyte
astr- + -al
astr- + -osphere
用法筆記
This sense is specialised and appears mainly in biology and medical texts. It is rare outside academic contexts. The star-like shape is visible only under a microscope.