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Heliocentric: meaning, definitions and examples

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heliocentric

 

[ ˌhiːlіəʊˈsɛntrɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

astronomy model

Heliocentric refers to a model of the solar system in which the Sun is at the center, and the planets, including Earth, revolve around it. This concept contrasts with the geocentric model, which places the Earth at the center. The heliocentric theory was proposed by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristarchus and later advanced by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century. The acceptance of this model marked a significant shift in scientific thinking and contributed to the scientific revolution.

Synonyms

solar-centered, sun-centered.

Examples of usage

  • The heliocentric model changed our understanding of the universe.
  • Galileo's observations supported the heliocentric theory.
  • In a heliocentric system, planets orbit the Sun.
  • The heliocentric perspective improved navigation methods.

Translations

Translations of the word "heliocentric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 heliocêntrico

🇮🇳 सूर्यकेंद्रित

🇩🇪 heliocentrisch

🇮🇩 heliosentris

🇺🇦 геліоцентричний

🇵🇱 heliocentryczny

🇯🇵 太陽中心の

🇫🇷 héliocentrique

🇪🇸 heliocéntrico

🇹🇷 güneş merkezli

🇰🇷 태양 중심의

🇸🇦 مركزي الشمس

🇨🇿 heliocentrický

🇸🇰 heliocentrický

🇨🇳 日心说的

🇸🇮 heliocentričen

🇮🇸 sólmiðjuleg

🇰🇿 күн орталық

🇬🇪 მზისცენტრიული

🇦🇿 günəşyönlü

🇲🇽 heliocéntrico

Etymology

The term 'heliocentric' comes from the Greek words 'helios' meaning 'sun' and 'kentron' meaning 'center.' The idea of a heliocentric universe dates back to ancient Greek philosophy, with early proponents like Aristarchus of Samos suggesting that the sun was a central figure in the cosmos. However, the idea did not gain widespread acceptance until the 16th century when Nicolaus Copernicus published 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres) in 1543. In this work, he argued that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. This revolutionary idea initiated a paradigm shift in astronomy and was subsequently supported by the observations of astronomers like Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei. The heliocentric model ultimately laid the groundwork for modern astronomy, replacing the long-standing geocentric model that placed the Earth at the center of the universe.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,168, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.