Martian

[mahr-shuhn]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like the planet Mars or its hypothetical inhabitants.

noun

1. a supposed inhabitant of the planet Mars.

   The science-fiction novel was about the invasion of our planet by Martians.

Martian

/ ˈmɑːʃən /

adjective

1. of, occurring on, or relating to the planet Mars

noun

1. an inhabitant of Mars, esp in science fiction

Other Word Forms

• trans-Martian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Martian¹

1350–1400; Middle English marcien < Latin Mārti ( us ) of, belonging to Mars ( March ) + -an

Example Sentences

Inside the planet's polar vortex, temperatures drop dramatically -- much colder than the air outside -- and the continuous darkness of the long Martian winter allows ozone levels in the atmosphere to rise sharply.

Read more on Science Daily

During the Martian winter, when temperatures plunge to around minus 120 degrees Celsius, ice accumulates on the dunes.

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These winds stir up dust into swirling columns called dust devils—rotating plumes of air and fine particles that sweep across the Martian surface.

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The lunar and Martian samples were compared against a control group grown in Devonian soil, an ancient, clay-rich type from Devon, England.

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Scientists believe these features contain minerals produced by chemical reactions that could be associated with ancient Martian microbes.

Read more on BBC