adjective
heliocentric
hee-lee-oh-SEN-trik
Heliocentric (adjective) means having the sun at the centre, as with a coordinate system, orbit or astronomical model. Example: “The heliocentric model places the sun at the centre of the solar system.”
adjective
1
Having the sun at the centre, as with a coordinate system, orbit or astronomical model.
"The heliocentric model places the sun at the centre of the solar system."
"Astronomers plot a comet's path using a heliocentric coordinate system."
"Copernicus argued for a heliocentric view in which the planets orbit the sun."
How to use heliocentric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt means centred on the sun, rather than on the Earth or anything else.
When to use it
It is a technical term used mainly in astronomy and cosmology.
Memory tip
As an adjective it does not change form, so there is no comparative or superlative.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
geocentric
Common pairings
heliocentric model
heliocentric system
heliocentric orbit
heliocentric coordinates
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The _____ model places the sun at the centre of the solar system.
Etymology
Heliocentric is built from helio-, meaning sun, and the suffix -centric. The word has been used in this sense since the seventeenth century.
Antonyms
geocentric
Rhymes for heliocentric
See all rhymes for heliocentric →Frequently asked questions
What does heliocentric mean?
It describes something, such as a model or orbit, that has the sun at its centre.
What is the opposite of heliocentric?
The opposite is geocentric, which places the Earth at the centre instead of the sun.
Where does the word heliocentric come from?
It combines helio-, referring to the sun, with the suffix -centric, and has been in use since the 1600s.
What is the meaning of heliocentric?
"heliocentric" (adjective) means having the sun at the centre, as with a coordinate system, orbit or astronomical model.
