An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A → meteor which is extremely bright, particularly one that breaks up during its passage through the → atmosphere.
Also called → fireball.

Etymology (EN): Bolide, Fr., from L. bolis, bolidis,
from Gk. bolis, bolidos “missile, flash of lightning,” from ballein “to throw;” PIE *g^welH₁- “to throw;” → ballistics.

Etymology (PE): Garzin “arrow;” cf. Tâleši ger “meteor” (from Proto-Iranian *garH- “to throw”), cognate with Gk. ballein, as above; → ballistics.