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orb - What does it mean?

Definition of 'orb'

English

Etymology 1

(etyl) orbe, from (etyl) . Compare orbit .

Noun

(en-noun)
  • A spherical body; a globe; especially, one of the celestial spheres; a sun, planet, or star
    • In the small orb of one particular tear. --
    Whether the prime orb, Incredible how swift, had thither rolled. --
  • One of the azure transparent spheres conceived by the ancients to be inclosed one within another, and to carry the heavenly bodies in their revolutions
  • A circle; especially, a circle, or nearly circular orbit, described by the revolution of a heavenly body; an orbit
    • The schoolmen were like astronomers, which did feign eccentrics, and epicycles, and such engines of orbs. --Bacon
    You seem to me as Dian in her orb. --
    In orbs Of circuit inexpressible they stood, Orb within orb. --
  • (rare) A period of time marked off by the revolution of a heavenly body.
    • (John Milton)
  • (poetic) The eye, as luminous and spherical
    • A drop serene hath quenched their orbs. --
  • (poetic) A revolving circular body; a wheel
    • The orbs Of his fierce chariot rolled. --
  • (rare) A sphere of action.
    • (William Wordsworth)
    But in our orbs we'll live so round and safe. --
  • A globus cruciger
  • A translucent sphere appearing in flash photography
  • (military) A body of soldiers drawn up in a circle, as for defence, especially infantry to repel cavalry.

    • Verb

    (en-verb)
  • (poetic) to form into an orb or circle
    • (Lowell)
    (Milton)
  • (poetic) to encircle; to surround; to enclose
  • * Addison
    • The wheels were orbed with gold.
  • (poetic) to become round like an orb

    • Etymology 2

    (etyl) .

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • (architecture) A blank window or panel.

    • References

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    Anagrams

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