epicycle

What is another word for epicycle? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A small circle whose centre moves around the edge of a larger circle, used in the old Ptolemaic model of the solar system to explain planetary motion.

We haven't recorded synonyms for epicycle yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use epicycle

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

epicycles and deferents add an epicycle model with epicycles

It is a specialist term from the history of astronomy and geometry, not everyday vocabulary.

Etymology

Epicycle comes from Latin epicyclus, which itself derives from Greek epikuklos, formed from epi, meaning upon, and kuklos, meaning circle.

Full origin of epicycle →

Frequently asked questions

What is an epicycle in astronomy?

It is a small circle whose centre travels around a bigger circle, used in the old Earth-centred model of the universe to explain how planets appeared to move.

Why did ancient astronomers use epicycles?

They added epicycles to make their predictions of planetary positions match what was actually observed in the sky.

Does epicycle only refer to astronomy?

No, in geometry it also describes a circle rolling around another circle, tracing a curve called an epicycloid.

Nearby words

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