epicycle

Meanings

• noun

  An ancient astronomical model explaining the retrograde motion of planets. It postulates that the planets revolve around the earth in small circular orbits called epicycles, which in turn revolve around the earth in larger circular orbits.

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Variants

List of all variants of epicycle that leads to same result
epicycle , epicycles , epicyclic

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From Greek epikyklos, from epi- 'around' + kyklos 'circle'.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The epicycle model was first proposed by the ancient Greek astronomer Aristarchus of Samos around 270 BC.

2. The epicycle model was widely accepted until the 16th century, when the heliocentric model was proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. retrograde motion: The apparent backward motion of a planet in the sky, caused by the relative positions and motions of the planets and the Earth.

2. geocentric model: An astronomical model in which the Earth is at the center of the universe, and all other celestial bodies revolve around it.

3. heliocentric model: An astronomical model in which the Sun is at the center of the solar system, and the planets revolve around it.

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Culture

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The concept of epicycles was a significant part of ancient Greek astronomy. It was used to explain the retrograde motion of planets, which was a major puzzle for astronomers at the time. The epicycle model was eventually replaced by the heliocentric model, which placed the sun at the center of the solar system.

How to Memorize "epicycle"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a small circle (epicycle) revolving around a larger circle (deeper orbit). The planet is located at the center of the smaller circle. As the smaller circle revolves around the larger circle, the planet appears to move backward in the larger circle.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'epicycle' with the concept of retrograde motion and the ancient astronomical model used to explain it.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Use the mnemonic 'Earth-Planet-Epicycle' to remember the order of the components in the epicycle model.

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