orbit
UK: ˈɔːbɪt | US: ˈɔːrbɪt
n. the curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon
n. a sphere of activity or influence
vt. to move in a circular or elliptical path around a celestial body
The word "orbit" traces back to Latin orbis, meaning "circle" or "disk," reflecting the shape of planetary paths. In medieval astronomy, orbita referred to the track of a celestial body. The suffix -it (via Old French -ite) nominalizes the action, solidifying its modern usage for both physical trajectories and metaphorical realms of influence.
The Earth completes one orbit around the Sun every 365 days.
The satellite was placed into a stable geostationary orbit.
Her research falls within the orbit of quantum physics.
The moon orbits our planet at an average distance of 384,400 km.
The company expanded its orbit to include global markets.