WordLens

orbit

1 of 2noun
/ˈɔr.bət/
Forms:orbits
1

the path an object in the space follows to move around a planet, star, etc.

B2
  • The satellite was placed into a stable orbit to continuously monitor weather patterns from space.
  • The space station travels in a low Earth orbit, allowing it to circle the planet every 90 minutes.
  • Understanding the orbit of distant exoplanets helps astronomers study their potential habitability.
  • When a spacecraft enters the orbit of another planet, it must adjust its velocity to achieve a stable trajectory.
Synonyms:
2

an area in which something operates, exerts influence, or holds power

  • The corporation extended its orbit into international markets.
  • He operated within the orbit of government agencies.
  • The diplomat remained in the orbit of the ambassador's influence.
  • Artists often work within the orbit of galleries and patrons.
  • The company expanded its orbit to include several new sectors.
3

a particular environment, sphere, or walk of life

  • She moved in the orbit of the fashion industry.
  • The writer remained in the orbit of literary circles.
  • Scientists work in the orbit of research institutions.
  • He entered the orbit of political power.
  • Their influence spread through the orbit of social media.
4

the hollow in the skull that holds and supports the eyeball

  • The fracture damaged the orbit around his eye.
  • Muscles attach to the orbit to control eye movement.
  • Doctors examined the orbit for signs of injury.
  • The orbit protects the delicate structures of the eye.
  • Imaging revealed swelling in the orbit.
5

the path followed by an electron around an atom's nucleus

  • The orbit of an electron affects chemical bonding.
  • The energy level determines an electron's orbit.
  • Quantum mechanics describes electron orbits precisely.
  • The electron moved to a higher orbit after excitation.
  • Atoms have electrons in multiple orbits.
Synonyms: