meteoric

[mee-tee-awr-ik, -or-]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of meteors.

2. resembling a meteor in transient brilliance, suddenness of appearance, swiftness, etc..

   his meteoric rise in politics.

3. of or coming from the atmosphere; meteorological.

meteoric

/ ˌmiːtɪˈɒrɪk /

adjective

1. of, formed by, or relating to meteors

2. like a meteor in brilliance, speed, or transience

3. rare,  of or relating to the weather; meteorological

Other Word Forms

• meteorically adverb
• nonmeteoric adjective
• nonmeteorically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of meteoric¹

From the Medieval Latin word meteōricus, dating back to 1625–35. See meteor, -ic

Example Sentences

The BBC spoke to multiple experts, advocates and frontline workers about the reasons for such a meteoric rise in case numbers.

From BBC

Canelo’s journey has not been improvised or meteoric, but rather a project shaped by patience and discipline.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite her meteoric rise, her former coaches say she has not changed.

From BBC

"They've had such a meteoric rise that it's okay to have a bump in the road."

From BBC

That was before its spectacular collapse under the weight of the huge debts that had powered its meteoric rise.

From BBC