repr. Gr. ἀστρο- stem and comb. form of ἄστρον ‘star.’ In compounds formed in Greek itself, as astronomy, ἄστρονομία; in others formed in L.; and in many of mod. formation: as
Astro-alchemist, one who mingled astrology and alchemy. Astro-chronological a., pertaining to the chronology and periods of the heavenly bodies. Astrolithology, the scientific study of meteoric stones (1850 Sowerby, Pop. Min., 218). Astromagical a., pertaining to star-divination, astromantic. Astrophanometer [Gr. φανός bright, τὸ φανόν brightness: see -METER], obs. equivalent of ASTROMETER (1830 Edin. Encycl., III. 1). † Astrophile, a lover of the stars. Astrophobia, fear of the influence of the stars. Astro-photometer, an apparatus for measuring the intensity of a star’s light; hence Astrophotometrical a. Astrophyllite [Gr. φύλλον leaf + -ITE], an orthorhombic mineral of yellow color and micaceous composition, occurring sometimes in stellate groups (Dana). Astrophysical a., relating to stellar physics, or the study of the physical structure of the stars. Astro-theology, that part of theology that may be deduced from the study of the stars; a religious system founded upon the observation of the heavens.
1876. M. Collins, Midn. to Midn., III. iv. 29. The *astroälchymist regarded him with contemplative compassionate eyes.
1851. Househ. Wds., March, 545. Who is to check his *astro-chronological computation?
1652. Gaule, Magastrom., 73. In *astromagicall diviners … when astrologicall magick had its first possession among men.
1708. Motteux, Rabelais, Prol. I have … look’d out whatever all the *Astrophyles … have thought.
1871. Alger, Future Life, 604. Bitten by some theological fear which has given him the *astrophobia.
1867–77. Chambers, Astron., 481. Seidel has published an elaborate catalogue of 206 conspicuous stars arranged progressively in the order of brightness as determined (I believe) by an *‘astro-photometer’ invented by Steinheil.
1878. Astron. Soc. Notices, XXXVIII. 65. On a new *astrophotometrical method.
1881. C. A. Young, Sun, 166. The new *astrophysical observatories at Potsdam and Meudon.
1714. Derham (title), *Astro-Theology, ora Demonstration of the Being and attributes of God, from a survey of the heavens.
1882. Q. Rev., July, 131. The astro-theology of Chaldæa.
