Epicycle vs. Deferent

Epicyclenoun

(astronomy) A small circle whose centre is on the circumference of a larger circle; in Ptolemaic astronomy it was seen as the basis of revolution of the "seven planets", given a fixed central Earth.

Epicyclenoun

(mathematics) Any circle whose circumference rolls around that of another circle, thus creating a hypocycloid or epicycloid.

Epicyclenoun

(organic chemistry) A ring of atoms joining parts of an already cyclic compound

Epicyclenoun

(figuratively) An ad hoc complication added to a model to make it fit the known data

Epicyclenoun

A circle, whose center moves round in the circumference of a greater circle; or a small circle, whose center, being fixed in the deferent of a planet, is carried along with the deferent, and yet, by its own peculiar motion, carries the body of the planet fastened to it round its proper center.

Epicyclenoun

A circle which rolls on the circumference of another circle, either externally or internally.

Epicyclenoun

a circle that rolls around (inside or outside) another circle; generates an epicycloid or hypocycloid

Deferentadjective

Showing deference; deferential.

Deferentadjective

(obsolete) Serving to carry; bearing.

Deferentnoun

(anatomy) A deferent duct in the body, as opposed to an afferent one.

Deferentnoun

(obsolete) That which carries or conveys.

Deferentnoun

An imaginary circle surrounding the Earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the centre of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.

Deferentadjective

Serving to carry; bearing.

Deferentnoun

That which carries or conveys.

Deferentnoun

An imaginary circle surrounding the earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the center of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.

Deferentadjective

showing deference