heliocentric

American  

[hee-lee-oh-sen-trik] / ˌhi li oʊˈsɛn trɪk /

adjective

Astronomy.

1. measured or considered as being seen from the center of the sun.

2. having or representing the sun as a center.

   the heliocentric concept of the universe.

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heliocentric British  

/ ˌhiːlɪəʊˈsɛntrɪk /

adjective

1. having the sun at its centre

2. measured from or in relation to the centre of the sun

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heliocentric Scientific  

/ hē′lē-ō-sĕn′trĭk /

1. Relating to or measured from the center of the Sun.

2. Relating to a model of the solar system or universe having the Sun as the center.

3. Compare geocentric See Note at Copernicus

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Other Word Forms

• heliocentrically adverb
• heliocentricism noun
• heliocentricity noun

Etymology

Origin of heliocentric

First recorded in 1660–70; helio- + -centric

Compare meaning

How does heliocentric compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• heliocentric vs. geocentric

Example Sentences

For example, the rejection of the heliocentric model of the solar system with one that accurately places the sun at its center.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

Such a heliocentric shift would have greatly limited the mission’s scientific output, says Jim Green, NASA’s former chief scientist and former head of its planetary science efforts.

From Scientific American • Oct. 3, 2023

When Galileo started turning telescopes on the heavens in the early 1600s, the heliocentric model caught on—which, “for many people, made astrology a bit less likely,” Campion says.

From National Geographic • Aug. 24, 2023

Much like our own solar system, the NBA’s biggest move was heliocentric, with Kevin Durant reportedly joining forces with Devin Booker and Chris Paul on the Phoenix Suns.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2023

It is the same idea we associate with the name of Copernicus, whom Galileo described as the “restorer and confirmer,” not the inventor, of the heliocentric hypothesis.'

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan