The term "asteroid" itself was coined in 1802, probably by William Herschel: <https://www.etymonline.com/word/asteroid https://www.etymonline.com/word/asteroid

The term "asteroid" itself was coined in 1802, probably by William Herschel: <https://www.etymonline.com/word/asteroid https://www.etymonline.com/word/asteroid>. There not having been a need for it before.