orbit

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

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

   The astronomer plotted the orbit of the moon.

2. 2
   verb

   move in an orbit

   The moon orbits around the Earth

3. 3
   noun

   A sphere of influence; an area or extent of activity, interest, or control.

   In the post WWII era, several eastern European countries came into the orbit of the Soviet Union.

4. 4
   noun

   The number of hands such that each player at the table has posted the big blind once.

   All right, I'll play one more orbit but then I'm leaving!

5. 5
   noun

   A state of increased excitement, activity, or anger.

   Dad went into orbit when I told him that I'd crashed the car.

6. 6
   verb

   To circle or revolve around another object or position.

   The Earth orbits the Sun.

7. 7
   verb

   To move around the general vicinity of something.

   The harried mother had a cloud of children orbiting her, begging for sweets.

8. 8
   verb

   To center (around).

   I have orbited my entire life around you, and you know it, okay?

Etymology

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