Crossword Genius

Rock in more expansive bit of space always losing velocity (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asteroid

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'rock' is the definition.
(an asteroid is a rock in space)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for asteroid that I've seen before include "Small body orbiting sun" , "Bit of rock that moves around the heavens" , "Rocky body in orbit" , "Small planet orbiting the Sun" , "Small planet revolving round the sun" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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