Armillary sphere — Sphere Sphere, n. [OE. spere, OF. espere, F. sph[ e]re, L. sphaera,. Gr. ??? a sphere, a ball.] 1. (Geom.) A body or space contained under a single surface, which in every part is equally distant from a point within called its center. [1913… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
armillary sphere — [är′mə ler΄ē] n. [< L armilla, armlet, bracelet < armus: see ARM2] an ancient astronomical sighting instrument representing the great circles of the horizon, the ecliptic, the meridian, etc … English World dictionary
Armillary sphere — An armillary sphere (variations are known as spherical astrolabe, armilla, or armil) is a model of the celestial sphere. Description and use of the armillary sphere The exterior parts of this machine are a compages of brass rings, which represent … Wikipedia
armillary sphere — Astron. an ancient instrument consisting of an arrangement of rings, all of which are circles of the same sphere, used to show the relative positions of the celestial equator, ecliptic, and other circles on the celestial sphere. [1550 60] * * * ▪ … Universalium
armillary sphere — noun Etymology: French sphère armillaire, from Medieval Latin armilla, from Latin, bracelet, iron ring, from armus shoulder more at arm Date: 1664 an old astronomical instrument composed of rings showing the positions of important circles of the… … New Collegiate Dictionary
armillary sphere — ar′millary sphere′ n. astron. an ancient astronomical instrument consisting of an arrangement of metal rings used to show the relative positions of the celestial equator and other circles on the celestial sphere … From formal English to slang
armillary sphere — /aˌmɪləri ˈsfɪə/ (say ah.miluhree sfear) noun Astronomy an arrangement of rings, all circles of a single sphere, showing the relative positions of the principal circles of the celestial sphere …
armillary sphere — noun a revolving model of the celestial sphere constructed from metal rings representing the equator, the tropics, etc. Origin C17: from mod. L. armillaris relating to an armilla , a similar astronomical instrument used by ancient astronomers,… … English new terms dictionary
armillary sphere — noun An instrument consisting of graduated metal circles used to represent the motions of celestial bodies around the earth … Wiktionary
armillary sphere — noun a celestial globe consisting of metal hoops; used by early astronomers to determine the positions of stars • Syn: ↑armilla • Hypernyms: ↑celestial globe … Useful english dictionary
