Deferents meaning

Deferents were circular orbits in the geocentric model of the universe with the Earth at the center, where celestial bodies moved along epicycles attached to them.


Deferents definitions

Word backwards stnerefed
Part of speech The word "deferents" is a noun.
Syllabic division de-fer-ents
Plural The plural of the word deferent is deferents.
Total letters 9
Vogais (1) e
Consonants (6) d,f,r,n,t,s

Deferents were a concept in ancient astronomy that proposed the existence of circular orbits around the Earth to explain the observed motions of celestial bodies. This theory was developed by the Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD as a way to account for the apparent retrograde motion of planets in the night sky.

Deferents in Ancient Astronomy

The idea of deferents was based on the belief that all heavenly bodies moved in perfect circles around the Earth. The deferent was the large circle in which a celestial object, such as a planet, was thought to move. The center of the deferent was offset from the Earth, creating the need for additional circles called epicycles to explain the variations in the object's speed and direction.

Epicycles and Deferents

Epicycles were smaller circles that were centered on a point that moved around the deferent's circumference. The combination of the deferent and epicycle models allowed ancient astronomers to predict the positions of planets with a reasonable degree of accuracy, despite the Earth-centric view of the universe.

Legacy of Deferents

The concept of deferents and epicycles dominated astronomical thought for over a thousand years until the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus in the 16th century. The heliocentric model, which placed the Sun at the center of the solar system, provided a simpler and more accurate explanation for the observed motions of celestial bodies, ultimately leading to the rejection of the deferent system.

Although the deferent model was eventually discarded in favor of the heliocentric view, it played a crucial role in the development of astronomy by providing a framework for understanding the complexities of planetary motion. The legacy of deferents highlights the iterative nature of scientific progress, where new ideas build upon and eventually replace older theories as our understanding of the universe evolves.


Deferents Examples

  1. The deferents in his behavior towards his colleagues made it clear he was hiding something.
  2. She decided to deferents her decision until she had more information.
  3. The deferents in treatment between the two groups was stark.
  4. There was a noticeable deferents in his attitude after the promotion.
  5. The deferents in opinion caused tension within the team.
  6. She tried to deferents her emotions, but it was difficult.
  7. His deferents to authority was unwavering.
  8. The deferents in their beliefs led to heated debates.
  9. He showed a deferents in his behavior when in the presence of his boss.
  10. She felt a sense of deferents towards the elderly members of her community.


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  • Updated 06/07/2024 - 23:06:47