epicycle

/ɛˈpɪsəkl/

Definitions

1. noun

A circle or sphere revolving around the center of another circle or sphere, in ancient astronomy.

“The ancient Greeks used epicycles to explain the motion of celestial bodies.”

2. noun

A circular or curved path around a central point, especially in a mechanical or technical context.

“The designers created an epicycle to achieve smooth motion in the machine’s gears.”

Synonyms

  • circumcircle
  • circumference

Antonyms

  • axis
  • center