epicyclic Definition
relating to or denoting a system of planetary motion in which each planet moves in an orbit around the sun, whose center is itself displaced from the center of the sun, the path of the planet being described as an epicycle..
Using epicyclic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epicyclic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The epicyclic model of planetary motion was developed by Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD.
Example
Epicyclic gears are used in automatic transmissions to provide different gear ratios.
Example
Epicyclic motion is also observed in some mechanical systems.
Summary: epicyclic in Brief
The term 'epicyclic' [ˌɛpɪˈsaɪklɪk] refers to a system of planetary motion in which each planet moves in an orbit around the sun, whose center is itself displaced from the center of the sun, the path of the planet being described as an epicycle. This model was developed by Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD and is also observed in some mechanical systems.