planetary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of or relating to or resembling the physical or orbital characteristics of a planet or the planets
    planetal.
    • planetary motion
    • planetary year
  2. adjective of or relating to or characteristic of the planet Earth or its inhabitants
    terrestrial.
    • planetary rumblings and eructations"- L.C.Eiseley
    • the planetary tilt
    • this terrestrial ball
  3. adjective satellite having no fixed course
    wandering; erratic.
    • an erratic comet
    • his life followed a wandering course
    • a planetary vagabond
  4. adjective satellite involving the entire earth; not limited or provincial in scope
    worldwide; global; world-wide; world.
    • global war
    • global monetary policy
    • neither national nor continental but planetary
    • a world crisis
    • of worldwide significance

WordNet

Plan"et*a*ry adjective
Etymology
Cf. L. planetarius an astrologer, F. planétaire planetary. See Planet.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the planets; as, planetary inhabitants; planetary motions; planetary year.
  2. Consisting of planets; as, a planetary system.
  3. (Astrol.) Under the dominion or influence of a planet. "Skilled in the planetary hours." Drayton.
  4. Caused by planets. "A planetary plague." Shak.
  5. Having the nature of a planet; erratic; revolving; wandering. "Erratical and planetary life." Fuller.

Webster 1913