Word of the Day - satellite

satellite

/ˈsatəlʌɪt/
noun
1 (also artificial satellite) - An artificial body placed in orbit round
the earth or moon or another planet in order to collect information or
for communication.
1.1 as modifier Transmitted by satellite; using or relating to satellite technology.
1.2 mass noun - Satellite television.
2 Astronomy - A celestial body orbiting the earth or another planet.

Origin

Mid 16th century (in the sense ‘follower, obsequious underling’): from
French satellite or Latin satelles, satellit- ‘attendant’.

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As this post is being written, less than an hour remains in the countdown
of the launch of a commercial rocket carrying sixty broadband
communications satellites into orbit around the earth.