orbital
UK: ˈɔːbɪtl | US: ˈɔːrbɪtl
adj. relating to an orbit or orbits
n. (in physics/chemistry) a region around an atomic nucleus where an electron is likely to be found
Derived from Latin orbita ("wheel track, rut"), which itself comes from orbis ("circle, disk"). The suffix -al (from Latin -alis) forms adjectives. Originally used in astronomy (18th century) to describe planetary paths, later extended to atomic physics (20th century) for electron trajectories. The core concept of circular motion unites both meanings.
The satellite maintains a stable orbital path around Earth.
Orbital debris poses risks to space missions.
Chemists study electron behavior in molecular orbitals.
The telescope captured images of Jupiter's orbital moons.
Orbital mechanics calculations require precise mathematics.