orbit - Definition | Dictionary definition of orbit

Definition of orbit

the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another

"he plotted the orbit of the moon"

Types:: geosynchronous orbit
a circular orbit around the Earth having a period of 24 hours; geostationary orbit
a geosynchronous orbit that is fixed with respect to a position on the Earth

a particular environment or walk of life

"he's out of my orbit"

Types:: show 10 types...; hide 10 types...; distaff
the sphere of work by women; front
a sphere of activity involving effort; kingdom, land, realm
a domain in which something is dominant; lotus land, lotusland
an idyllic realm of contentment and self-indulgence; lap
an area of control or responsibility; lap of the gods
beyond human control or responsibility; political arena, political sphere
a sphere of intense political activity; preserve
a domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone; province, responsibility
the proper sphere or extent of your activities; ecclesiastical province
the district within the jurisdiction of an archbishop or a metropolitan or one of the territorial divisions of an ecclesiastical order

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

"in the political orbit of a world power"

Types:: show 10 types...; hide 10 types...; approximate range, ballpark
near to the scope or range of something; confines
a bounded scope; contrast
the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness); internationalism, internationality
quality of being international in scope; latitude
scope for freedom of e.g. action or thought; freedom from restriction; horizon, purview, view
the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated; expanse, sweep
a wide scope; gamut
a complete extent or range: "a face that expressed a gamut of emotions"; spectrum
a broad range of related objects or values or qualities or ideas or activities; palette, pallet
the range of colour characteristic of a particular artist or painting or school of art