Astronomic

/ˌæs.trəˈnɑː.mɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to astronomy or astronomers; also used informally to mean 'extremely large' or 'enormous in scale.'

Etymology

From Greek 'astronomikos,' combining 'astron' (star) and 'nomos' (law). The metaphorical sense developed because astronomical numbers and distances are incomprehensibly vast.

Kelly Says

We use 'astronomic prices' for expensive things because even our ancestors knew that star-distances were so huge that the number was beyond human comprehension—making it perfect for big numbers!

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