Definition of astronomically

The word "astronomically" is derived from two ancient Greek words: "astron," meaning "star," and "nomos," meaning "law" or "rule." The compound word "astronomy" combines these elements to describe the scientific study of stars and the laws that govern their behavior. The prefix "astro-" in "astronomically" is used to indicate a connection to astronomy or outer space. The term "astronomically" originally referred to calculations and measurements made using astronomy, such as the lengthy process of determining the exact position of celestial bodies. Over time, the usage of "astronomically" has broadened to include any extremely large or impressive number or quantity, as the study of astronomy often deals with vast and awe-inspiring phenomena. This use of "astronomically" to describe something as incredibly large or numerous can be traced back to the early 20th century. Overall, the origins of "astronomically" can be traced back to the Greek words for "star" and "law," reflecting the deep connection between astronomy and the study of the cosmos.