solar system
Definition
The gravitationally bound system comprising the Sun and the objects that orbit it, primarily the eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune), their moons, asteroids, comets, and other minor bodies.
A model or representation of the aforementioned astronomical system, often used for educational purposes.
Informally, a complex arrangement of interconnected parts resembling the structure of planetary orbits, such as in business hierarchies or family dynamics.
Examples
My homemade solar system model collapsed when Jupiter got jealous of the Sun's spotlight and rolled off the table.
In the office solar system, the CEO is the blazing Sun, and we're all just icy comets hoping not to burn up in meetings.
Astronomers announced a new object in the solar system that's smaller than Pluto—it's basically space's unpaid intern.
Planning a solar system road trip? Pack snacks for the asteroid belt; it's notoriously snackless.