orbit
orbit Lexical Profile
orbit Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The curved path, usually elliptical, described by a planet, satellite, spacecraft, or other celestial body around a star, planet, or center of mass.
"The communications satellite was successfully launched into a geostationary orbit above the equator."
An area or sphere of activity, interest, power, or influence.
"Several smaller regional companies gradually fell within the economic orbit of the multinational corporation."
The bony cavity or socket in the vertebrate skull that houses and protects the eyeball and its associated muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
"The radiologist examined the scan carefully to check for any fracture of the left orbit."
• verb
To move or travel in a curved, repeating path around a central celestial body, planet, or point.
"It takes approximately 365 days for the Earth to orbit the Sun."
To place or send a satellite, spacecraft, or instrument into an orbital path around a celestial body.
"The space agency plans to orbit a new weather observatory before the end of the decade."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French orbite or directly from Latin orbita, meaning 'a wheel track' or 'circuit,' derived from orbis ('ring, circle, or disk'). Originally used in English for the anatomical eye socket before being applied to planetary paths by astronomers in the late 17th century.