heliocentrism

[ hee-lee-uh-sen-triz-uhm ]

noun

1. the astronomical theory in which the sun is at the center of a system that includes the earth and other planets, which revolve around it. Compare geocentrism ( def 1 ).

Other Words From

• he·li·o·cen·trist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heliocentrism¹

First recorded in 1875–80; heliocentr(ic) ( def ) + -ism ( def )