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orbit

n. · v.
US //ˈɔɹbət// UK //ˈɔːbɪt// or·bit
  1. 1 space path (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    the curved path that a planet, moon, or satellite follows as it travels around another body in space.

    the gravitationally curved trajectory of an object, such as a planet or satellite, around a point or another celestial body.

    Example

    The satellite was launched into a stable orbit around the Earth.

    Example

    Calculations for the probe's elliptical orbit had to account for the gravitational pull of both the planet and its largest moon.

    Usage

    Often used with the prepositions 'in' or 'into'.
  2. 2 sphere of influence (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the area or group of people that someone or something has power over.

    a sphere of influence or the range of activity, interest, or control exercised by a person or organisation.

    Example

    The small country gradually moved into the trade orbit of its larger neighbour.

    Example

    As the CEO's reputation grew, more young entrepreneurs sought to enter her professional orbit to secure funding and mentorship.
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  1. 3 eye socket (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the bony hole in the skull that holds the eye.

    the bony cavity in the skull of a vertebrate that contains the eyeball and its associated muscles and nerves.

    Example

    The doctor checked for any fractures in the patient's left orbit after the accident.

    Example

    The surgical team performed a delicate procedure to remove a benign growth from the posterior of the orbital cavity.
  2. 4 to travel around (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    to move in a curved path around a planet, star, or other object.

    to move in an orbit around a celestial body or a central point of attraction.

    Example

    The Moon orbits the Earth once every twenty-seven days.

    Example

    The space station orbits the planet at an altitude of approximately four hundred kilometres, completing several revolutions each day.
  3. 5 social media monitoring (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    to keep watching an ex-partner's social media posts without talking to them.

    to continue to follow or engage with a former romantic partner's social media content after a breakup, typically without direct communication.

    Example

    Even though they broke up months ago, he still orbits her Instagram stories.

    Example

    She found it unsettling that her ex-boyfriend continued to orbit her digital life, liking her posts despite their lack of verbal contact.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a modern slang term; it implies a passive but persistent presence that can be seen as creepy or unhealthy.
Origin

Inherited from Middle English orbite, orbita, from Latin orbita (“course, track, impression, mark”).

Word family

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