astronomical

comparative more astronomical · superlative most astronomical · alternative abbreviation astron.

1. not comparableastronomyOf or relating to astronomy.

   Finally, all men saw that astronomical knowledge lied not, and they awaited the comet.

   1839, Edgar Allan Poe, The Conversation of Eiros and Charmion

   2 more examples

   Drawings and pictures are more than mere ornaments in scientific discourse. Blackboard sketches, geological maps, diagrams of molecular structure, astronomical photographs, MRI images, the many varieties of statistical charts and graphs: These pictorial devices are indispensable tools for presenting evidence, for explaining a theory, for telling a story.

   2012 March 28, Brian Hayes, “Pixels or Perish”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 19 Feb 2013, page 106

   Astronomers announced Wednesday they had discovered a new type of astronomical object called a "black hole star," potentially solving a mystery involving strange red dots spotted in the early universe.

   2026 August 12, “Newly discovered "black hole star" could solve mystery of strange red dots spotted in the early universe”, in CBS News, archived from the original on 12 Aug 2026

   Synonyms: astronomic

2. comparableVery large; of vast measure.

   The cost of such a work now, of course, would be astronomical.

   1962 June, “Letters to the Editor: Diesel suburban services in Bristol”, in Modern Railways, page 430

   2 more examples

   At the moment he wondered why anyone would want to visit Khatka, let alone pay some astronomical sum for the privilege.

   1959, Andre Norton, Voodoo Planet - Chapter IV

   So in February, it was decided to lay up a good portion of the fleet, whose operational costs were astronomical, whilst they attempted to conduct peace negotiations, whilst simultaneously secretly trying to swing France over to the British side. But the Dutch, de Witt especially, were quite aware that Charles II was largely stalling for time, although they didn't quite know why, and determined to end the war, on their terms, in a single strike.

   2019 April 24, Drachinifel, 7:23 from the start, in The Raid on the Medway - Grand Theft Warship, archived from the original on 26 Dec 2020