Earthlike

/ˈɜːrθlaɪk/ adjective

Definition

Resembling Earth; having characteristics similar to our planet, especially in astronomy (a planet with liquid water or life-supporting conditions).

Etymology

Compound of 'earth' and 'like' (resembling). Modern scientific term that gained prominence with exoplanet discovery in the 1990s.

Kelly Says

Finding 'earthlike' exoplanets became humanity's obsession after 2009, yet scientists now realize 'earthlike' is dangerously limiting—life might thrive in radically different forms on planets nothing like our own.

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