Meaning & use

orbit

noun·Academic

The curved path that an object in space follows around a star, planet, or other larger body.

See it in a sentence

The satellite completes one orbit of Earth roughly every ninety minutes.

Scientists calculated the comet's orbit to predict when it would next be visible.

A note on using this word

Orbit is also used figuratively to describe someone's sphere of influence or the group of people around a powerful figure, as in 'within his orbit.'

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To move in a continuous circular or elliptical path around another object.

The moon orbits Earth roughly once every twenty-seven days.

Make it your own

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