Etymology

Noun

1. An object orbiting a planet or similar celestial body.

   The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth.

2. Specifically, any man-made apparatus designed to relay telecommunication signals to and from Earth.

   Many telecommunication satellites orbit at 36000km above the equator.

3. Satellite TV; reception of television broadcasts via services that utilize man-made satellite technology.

   Do you have satellite at your house?

4. Anything that follows something else around.
   • 1826, Walter Scott, Woodstock, page 348

     ...he would nevertheless have a better bargain of this tall satellite if they settled the debate betwixt them in the forest... . Betwixt anxiety, therefore, vexation, and anger, Charles faced suddenly round on his pursuer... .

   • 1948, Willard E. Hawkins, The Technique of Fiction: A Basic Course in Story Writing, page 169,

     The unnamed chronicler in his Dupin stories was the first Dr. Watson type of satellite—a narrator who accompanies the detective on his exploits, exclaims over his brilliance... .

5. Something which is under the jurisdiction, influence, or domination of another body, such as a country, a campus, an office.
6. Specifies something utilizing man-made orbital satellite transmission technology; e.g. satellite TV, satellite phone.

Usage notes