Vesta

[ ves-tuh ]

/ ˈvɛs tə /

Save This Word!

noun

Classical Mythology. the ancient Roman goddess of the hearth, worshiped in a temple containing an altar on which a sacred fire was kept burning by the vestal virgins: identified with the Greek Hestia.

Astronomy. the second largest and by far the brightest asteroid in our solar system, discovered in 1807 and located in the asteroid belt. See also Ceres (def. 2), Hygieia (def. 2), Pallas (def. 2).

(lowercase)British. a short friction match with a wood or wax shank.

a female given name.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of Vesta

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin; possibly akin to Greek Hestía; possibly derivative of Latin ūrere “to burn”

Words nearby Vesta

vespine, Vespucci, vessel, vessel element, vest, Vesta, vestal, vestal virgin, vestal virgins, Vestavia Hills, vested

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Vesta in a sentence

Project Vesta began as a nonprofit but is now what’s known as a public benefits corporation, which means it has the twin goals of making a profit and achieving social good.
Why using the oceans to suck up CO2 might not be as easy as hoped|James Temple|March 30, 2022|MIT Technology Review
One company, Project Vesta, has been planning to conduct a field trial in the Caribbean for several years, which would entail spreading olivine sand along beaches or in shallow waters.
Why using the oceans to suck up CO2 might not be as easy as hoped|James Temple|March 30, 2022|MIT Technology Review
The Vesta turned north, going off course to avoid the worst of it.
The Hard-Drinking Playboys Who Made Transatlantic Sailing History|Allison McNearney|June 6, 2021|The Daily Beast
Eight hours later, Fleetwing arrived, with Vesta just over an hour behind her.
The Hard-Drinking Playboys Who Made Transatlantic Sailing History|Allison McNearney|June 6, 2021|The Daily Beast

On the planet Vesta, there are plenty of crystals to treasure.
Space Bling: From Diamond Planets to Crystal Oceans to Precious Moon Jewels|Alexa Valiente, Jaewon Kang|October 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Vesta was, of course, worshipped at the hearth by the women, who most often used it in the preparation of the domestic meals.
The Religion of Ancient Rome|Cyril Bailey
In Rome the temple of Vesta is the king's hearth, situated, as one would expect, in close proximity to the regia.
The Religion of Ancient Rome|Cyril Bailey
The two men there could see the dark outline of his anxious face as he lighted a vesta to aid him in seeing what was going on.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
Hestia (Roman Vesta) presided over the private hearths and homesteads of the Greeks, and imparted to them a sacred character.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume I|John Lord
And looking back on that wreck of a room, I reflected how congenial Jaffery must have found his surroundings on board the Vesta.
Jaffery|William J. Locke

British Dictionary definitions for Vesta (1 of 3)

vesta

/ (ˈvɛstə) /

noun

a short friction match, usually of wood

Word Origin for vesta

C19: named after the goddess; see Vesta 1

British Dictionary definitions for Vesta (2 of 3)

Vesta¹

/ (ˈvɛstə) /

noun

the Roman goddess of the hearth and its fire. In her temple a perpetual flame was tended by the vestal virginsGreek counterpart: Hestia

British Dictionary definitions for Vesta (3 of 3)

Vesta²

/ (ˈvɛstə) /

noun

the brightest of the four largest asteroids. Diameter: about 530 km (240 miles)

Word Origin for Vesta

C19: named after the goddess; see Vesta 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for Vesta

Vesta

[ vĕs′tə ]

The brightest of all the asteroids and the fourth to be discovered, in 1807. It is the third largest, with a diameter of about 530 km (329 mi), and the only asteroid that can be seen without a telescope. Evidence of lava flows on its surface suggests that it once had a molten interior. See more at asteroid.

Cultural definitions for Vesta

Vesta

[Greek name Hestia]

The Roman and Greek goddess of the hearth and home. Roman and Greek cities were supposed to have a public hearth dedicated to Vesta, at which the fire was kept constantly burning.