English Explanatory Dictionary

orrery

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A clockwork model of any given solar system.
  2. A conceptual model of someone's worldview.

Pronunciation

/ˈɒɹ.ə.ɹi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-orrery.wav /ˈɔɹ.ə.ɹi/ /ˈɑɹ.ə.ɹi/

Word forms

orrery orreries

Etymology

Named after Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of Orrery (1676–1731), for whom such a device was made. The placename is from Irish Orbhraighe, originally the name of a tribe (Orbh-raighe (“Orb's people”)), and then of a territory and a barony.

Related words

clockmaker clockwork universe Ptolemaic system watchmaker
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