Epicycle - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An epicycle is a small circle whose center moves along the circumference of a larger circle. It was used in ancient astronomy to explain the irregular motions of planets.
Definition:
A small circle whose center moves around the circumference of a larger one, used in astronomy.
Synonyms:
orbit, circle, revolution, cycle
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
straight line, linear motion
Common Collocations:
planetary motion, celestial mechanics, Ptolemaic system
Derivatives:
epicyclic, epicyclical
Usage Tips:
Use "epicycle" to describe secondary orbits in historical astronomy or metaphorically for complex processes.
Common Phrases:
wheels within wheels, cycle of cycles
Etymology:
From Greek "epi-" (upon) + "kyklos" (circle), referring to a circle moving on another circle.
Examples:
- 1. The ancient Greeks used epicycles to explain planetary motion.
- 2. Ptolemy's model included epicycles to account for retrograde motion.
- 3. An epicycle is a smaller circle rolling around a larger one.
- 4. Modern astronomy replaced epicycles with elliptical orbits.