primum mobile

[ pree-moom moh-bi-le; English prahy-muhm mob-uh-lee, pree- ]

noun

, Latin.

1. (in Ptolemaic astronomy) the outermost of the 10 concentric spheres of the universe, making a complete revolution every 24 hours and causing all the others to do likewise.
2. prime mover.

primum mobile

/ ˈpraɪmʊm ˈməʊbɪlɪ /

noun

1. a prime mover
2. astronomy the outermost empty sphere in the Ptolemaic system that was thought to revolve around the earth from east to west in 24 hours carrying with it the inner spheres of the planets, sun, moon, and fixed stars

Word History and Origins

Origin of primum mobile¹

Literally, “first moving (thing)”

Word History and Origins

Origin of primum mobile¹

C15: from Medieval Latin: first moving (thing)

Example Sentences

With him prayer was a thing of absolute necessity, and resignation to the eternal decrees the primum mobile of all.

From Project Gutenberg

The notion that there must be something immovable which moves all other things, is the old scholastic error of a primum mobile.

From Project Gutenberg

The primum mobile of the new system was Motion, in distinction from the Rest which marked the old monastic retreats.

From Project Gutenberg

In this effort lies its only possible unity, its primum mobile, its one clearly defined object from beginning to end.

From Project Gutenberg

Here it clearly refers to the primum mobile; it often applies to the whole expanse of the heavens.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• instigator
• motivator
• mover