How Do You Spell EPICYCLE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛpɪsˌa͡ɪkə͡l] (IPA)

Epicycle is a word with a tricky spelling, due to its Greek roots. The first "e" is pronounced as "eh" (IPA symbol [ɛ]), the "y" is pronounced as a long "i" (IPA symbol [aɪ]), and the "c" is pronounced as "s" (IPA symbol [s]). The final "le" is pronounced as "kul" (IPA symbol [kl]). Altogether, the correct pronunciation is "eh-puh-sahy-kuhl", with the emphasis on the second syllable. In astronomy, epicycles refer to the circles traced by planets as they orbit around another planet or the Sun.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
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EPICYCLE Meaning and Definition

  1. An epicycle is a term used in the field of astronomy and ancient cosmology to describe a hypothetical celestial orbit. It refers to a smaller circle, or secondary orbit, around a point located on the circumference of a larger circle, known as a deferent. The concept of epicycles was developed by ancient Greek astronomers, primarily Ptolemy, to explain the complex motions of celestial bodies, particularly planets.

    According to the geocentric cosmological model prevalent during that era, the Earth was considered the stationary center of the universe, and planets and other celestial bodies revolved around it. However, observations revealed irregularities in the apparent motion of planets when viewed from Earth. To explain these inconsistencies and maintain the geocentric model, astronomers introduced the concept of epicycles.

    In practice, an epicycle represented the path traced by a planet as it moved along its orbit. The center of the epicycle, known as the deferent center, moved along the circumference of the deferent circle. This motion, combined with the rotation of the planet within the epicycle, created a complex pattern that accounted for the observed planetary motion.

    While the concept of epicycles was ultimately replaced by the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus, it played a significant role in ancient astronomy. The use of epicycles allowed astronomers to predict the positions of celestial bodies with a relatively high degree of accuracy until the development of more accurate astronomical models.

  2. A little circle whose centre is on the circumference of a greater circle.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for EPICYCLE

Etymology of EPICYCLE

The word "epicycle" originates from the Greek word "epikyklos" (ἐπίκυκλος), which is composed of two elements: "epi" (ἐπί) meaning "on" or "upon", and "kyklos" (κύκλος) meaning "circle" or "wheel". In ancient Greek astronomy, an epicycle referred to a small circle upon which a celestial body appeared to move while orbiting around a larger circle (deferent), which consequently rotated around the Earth. The term was widely used during the Ptolemaic system of geocentrism in explaining the observed motions of planets.

Similar spelling words for EPICYCLE

Plural form of EPICYCLE is EPICYCLES

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Correct spelling for epicycle
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