Copernican

[ koh-pur-ni-kuhn, kuh- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Copernicus or his theories.
2. important and radically different; thoroughgoing:

   a Copernican revolution in modern art.

Other Words From

• post-Co·perni·can adjective
• pre-Co·perni·can adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Copernican¹

First recorded in 1660–70; Copernic(us) + -an

Example Sentences

EtsyThe original orreries were geocentric models of the solar system, since they predated the Copernican revolution, but this one—like all modern versions—is heliocentric.

From Popular-Science

These were two of the weightiest arguments that had as yet been presented in favor of the Copernican theory.

From Project Gutenberg

Against Galileo, the war against the Copernican theory was concentrated.

From Project Gutenberg

He sneered at the work and methods of both Gilbert and Galileo, and rejected the Copernican theory as absurd.

From Project Gutenberg

Galileo offered to prove for the Cardinal by astronomical observations that the Copernican Theory was true.

From Project Gutenberg

John Wesley declared the Copernican astronomy to be in opposition to Scripture.

From Project Gutenberg