Definition of Epicycle

1. Noun. A circle that rolls around (inside or outside) another circle; generates an epicycloid or hypocycloid.

Generic synonyms: Circle
Derivative terms: Epicyclic, Epicyclical

Definition of Epicycle

1. n. A circle, whose center moves round in the circumference of a greater circle; or a small circle, whose center, being fixed in the deferent of a planet, is carried along with the deferent, and yet, by its own peculiar motion, carries the body of the planet fastened to it round its proper center.

Definition of Epicycle

1. Noun. (astronomy) A small circle whose centre is on the circumference of a larger circle; in Ptolemaic astronomy it was seen as the basis of revolution of the "seven planets", given a fixed central Earth. ¹

2. Noun. (mathematics) Any circle whose circumference rolls around that of another circle, thus creating a hypocycloid or epicycloid. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Epicycle

1. a circle that rolls on the circumference of another circle [n -S]

Medical Definition of Epicycle

1. 1. A circle, whose center moves round in the circumference of a greater circle; or a small circle, whose center, being fixed in the deferent of a planet, is carried along with the deferent, and yet, by its own peculiar motion, carries the body of the planet fastened to it round its proper center. "The schoolmen were like astronomers which did feign eccentries, and epicycles, and such engines of orbs." (Bacon) 2. A circle which rolls on the circumference of another circle, either externally or internally. Origin: L. Epicyclus, Gr.; upon + circle. See Cycle. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Epicycle

epicureans
epicurely
epicureous
epicures
epicurism
epicurisms
epicurize
epicurized
epicurizes
epicurizing
epicutaneous
epicutaneously
epicuticle
epicuticles
epicuticular
epicycle (current term)
epicycles
epicyclic
epicyclic gear
epicyclic gear train
epicyclic train
epicyclical
epicycloid
epicycloidal
epicycloids
epicystitis
epicyte
epicœnes
epideictic
epideictically

Other Resources:

Search for Epicycle on Dictionary.com!Search for Epicycle on Thesaurus.com!Search for Epicycle on Google!Search for Epicycle on Wikipedia!

Search

Translations