bolide garzin Fr.: bolide A → meteor which is extremely bright, particularly one that breaks up during its passage through the → atmosphere. Also called → fireball. Bolide, Fr., from L. bolis, bolidis, from Gk. bolis, bolidos "missile, flash of lightning," from ballein "to throw;" PIE *gwelH1- "to throw;" → ballistics. Garzin "arrow;" cf. Tâleši ger "meteor" (from Proto-Iranian *garH- "to throw"), cognate with Gk. ballein, as above; → ballistics. |