orbit

[ awr-bit ]
/ ˈɔr bɪt /

noun

verb (used with object)

to move or travel around in an orbital or elliptical path: The earth orbits the sun once every 365.25 days.
to send into orbit, as a satellite.

verb (used without object)

to go or travel in an orbit.

Origin of orbit

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin orbita wheel track, course, circuit

OTHER WORDS FROM orbit

or·bit·ar·y, adjective non·or·bit·ing, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for orbiting

British Dictionary definitions for orbiting

orbit
/ (ˈɔːbɪt) /

noun

verb

Word Origin for orbit

C16: from Latin orbita course, from orbis circle, orb

Medical definitions for orbiting

orbit
[ ôrbĭt ]

n.

orbital cavity

Scientific definitions for orbiting

orbit
[ ôrbĭt ]

Noun

The path followed by a celestial body or artificial satellite as it revolves around another body due to the force of gravity. Orbits are nearly elliptical or circular in shape and are very closely approximated by Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
One complete revolution of such a body. See Note at solar system.
A stable quantum state of an electron (or other particle) in motion around an atomic nucleus. See more at orbital.
Either of two bony hollows in the skull containing the eye and its associated structures.

Verb

To move in an orbit around another body.
To put into an orbit, as a satellite is put into orbit around the Earth.

Cultural definitions for orbiting

orbit

In astronomy, the path followed by an object revolving around another object, under the influence of gravitation (see satellite). In physics, the path followed by an electron within an atom. The planets follow elliptical orbits around the sun (see ellipse).

notes for orbit

Informally, something is “in orbit” when its actions are controlled by an external agency or force: “The countries of eastern Europe were once in the orbit of the Soviet Union.”

Idioms and Phrases with orbiting

orbit

see in orbit.