heliocentric

[ hee-lee-oh-sen-trik ]

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.

heliocentric

/ ˌhiːlɪəʊˈsɛntrɪk /

adjective

1. having the sun at its centre
2. measured from or in relation to the centre of the sun

heliocentric

/ 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 geocentricSee Note at Copernicus

Derived Forms

• ˌheliocenˈtricity, noun
• ˌhelioˈcentrically, adverb

Other Words From

• heli·o·centri·cal·ly adverb
• he·li·o·cen·tric·i·ty [hee-lee-oh-sen-, tris, -i-tee], he·li·o·cen·tri·cism [hee-lee-oh-, sen, -tr, uh, -siz-, uh, m], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heliocentric¹

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

Example Sentences

“Sometimes, these temporary captures do not complete one revolution before dropping out of orbit and returning to their regular heliocentric trajectories,” he and his colleague, Raúl de la Fuente Marcos, wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

A full Venus, Galileo showed, was clinching evidence for the competing sun-focused “heliocentric” solar system model developed by Copernicus.

From Scientific American

Briggs is a singular, heliocentric talent unlike few others in Southern Section girls’ basketball.

From Los Angeles Times