orrery

views updated May 17 2018

or·rer·y / ˈôrərē/ • n. (pl. -rer·ies) a mechanical model of the solar system, or of just the sun, earth, and moon, used to represent their relative positions and motions.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

orrery

views updated May 21 2018

orrery a clockwork model of the solar system, or of just the sun, earth, and moon. It is named after Charles Boyle (1676–1731), fourth Earl of Orrery, for whom a copy of the machine invented by George Graham c.1700 was made by the instrument-maker John Rowley.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

orrery

views updated May 21 2018

orrery mechanism for representing the motions of the planets. XVIII. Named after Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery, for whom a copy of the machine invented by George Graham c.1700 was made.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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Orrery

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