Orbit Meaning and Definition
Orbit
Pronunciation
/ˈɔrbɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A path or trajectory, especially of an object moving in space or around a central point, such as a planet or star.
Examples
- The spacecraft entered into orbit around the planet.
- The moon orbits the Earth.
Synonyms
- Path
- Course
Antonyms
- Collision
- Crash
Etymology
The word “Orbit” comes from the Latin “orbis,” meaning “circle” or “sphere.” The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the path of the planets around the Sun.
Usage Notes
Orbit is often used in the context of astronomy and space exploration to describe the trajectory of celestial bodies.
Cultural References
The concept of orbit has been featured in various science fiction films and books, such as Star Trek and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Orbit has also been used in idiomatic expressions, such as “to be in orbit” meaning to be in a state of euphoria or excitement.
Related Words or Phrases
Terms closely related to Orbit include trajectory, path, and course.
Collocations
Common collocations with Orbit include around, around the, and in orbit.
Frequency of Use
Orbit is a relatively uncommon word in everyday language, but is frequently used in scientific and technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of Orbit include Oribit and Orbeet.