equant

noun

Meaning

A mathematical point in the Ptolemaic system from which a planet's motion appears to be uniform in angular speed.

Examples

The equant was a controversial device because it violated the Aristotelian requirement for uniform circular motion.
By placing the equant off-center, Ptolemy was able to account for the observed variations in planetary velocity.

Synonyms: point, center, geometric device, mathematical construct

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equant

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈiːkwənt/

Definition

A mathematical point in the Ptolemaic system from which a planet's motion appears to be uniform in angular speed.

Examples

The equant was a controversial device because it violated the Aristotelian requirement for uniform circular motion.
By placing the equant off-center, Ptolemy was able to account for the observed variations in planetary velocity.
Copernicus sought to eliminate the equant from his heliocentric model to restore perfect circular motion.

Synonyms of equant

Words with a similar meaning to equant:

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