Ptolemaic

[ tol-uh-mey-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Ptolemy or his system of astronomy.
2. of or relating to the dynastic house of the Ptolemies or the period of their rule in Egypt.

Ptolemaic

/ ˌtɒlɪˈmeɪɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Greek astronomer Ptolemy or to his conception of the universe
2. of or relating to the Macedonian dynasty that ruled Egypt from the death of Alexander the Great (323 bc ) to the death of Cleopatra (30 bc )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ptolemaic¹

1665–75; < Greek Ptolemaikós of Ptolemy, equivalent to Ptolema ( îos ) Ptolemy + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

When the old Ptolemaic system was exploded by Copernicus, the vaunted wisdom of men proclaimed that the Bible also was exploded.

From Project Gutenberg

According to the Ptolemaic system the earth is a motionless sphere fixed at the center of the universe.

From Project Gutenberg

Ptolemaic columns, little vestibules, little courtyards where a dim blue light enables you to find your way.

From Project Gutenberg

We shall rarely have occasion to speak of the Ptolemaic remains of Egyptian art.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the oldest building upon the island, all the rest being Ptolemaic or Roman.

From Project Gutenberg