ice giant

American  

[ahys jahy-uhnt] / ˈaɪs ˌdʒaɪ ənt /

noun

Astronomy.

1. a giant planet composed mostly of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium: the two ice giants in our solar system are Uranus and Neptune, previously classified as gas giants, but now known to be made primarily of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.

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Etymology

Origin of ice giant

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

By capturing faint molecular emissions high above the cloud tops, the scientists gained new insight into how ice giant planets move and manage energy in their upper layers.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

“The three newly discovered moons are the faintest ever found around these two ice giant planets using ground-based telescopes,” said Scott S. Sheppard, astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science, in a statement.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2024

But a study has discovered that the two ice giant planets are both similar shades of greenish blue.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2024

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope recently trained its sights on unusual and enigmatic Uranus, an ice giant that spins on its side.

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2023

She is borne away by the cruel ice giant Thiassi, who represents the boar which slew Adonis, the kidnapper of Proserpine, or the poisonous serpent which bit Eurydice.

From Myths of the Norsemen From the Eddas and Sagas by Guerber, H. A. (Hélène Adeline)