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Wordabulary

comet tail

Pronunciation
Noun A2 Elementary

Quick answer

The long, glowing stream of dust and gas that trails behind a comet as it nears the sun.

"Through the telescope, the comet's tail stretched out like a faint brushstroke of light."

Usage notes

A comet's tail always points away from the sun, not behind the comet's direction of travel.

Test yourself

In your own words, what does "comet tail" mean?

The long, glowing stream of dust and gas that trails behind a comet as it nears the sun.

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