orbit

/ˈɔrbɪt/
noun
  1. The curved path of an object, such as a planet or satellite, around a star, planet, or moon.
    • The Earth's orbit around the Sun takes about 365 days.
    • Astronauts aboard the space station live and work in low Earth orbit.
    • The satellite was placed into a stable orbit around the planet.
  2. An area of influence, control, or activity.
    • The small country fell within the economic orbit of its larger neighbor.
    • She drew many talented people into her social orbit.
    • The new policy brought several industries into the government's regulatory orbit.
  3. The bony cavity in the skull that contains the eye; eye socket.
    • An injury to the orbit can affect vision.
    • The skull's orbit protects the delicate eye structures.
    • The doctor examined the patient's orbit for signs of fracture.
verb
  1. To move in a curved path around a celestial body or object.
    • Many artificial satellites orbit our planet for communication.
    • The Moon orbits the Earth every 27 days.
    • The new telescope will orbit the Sun and send back data.
  2. To move around something in a circular or curved path.
    • The children orbited the playground, chasing each other.
    • She orbited the dance floor, watching the other couples.
    • The hawk orbited high above the field before diving.
What does "orbit" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean