orrery

[ awr-uh-ree, or- ]

noun

, plural or·rer·ies.

1. an apparatus for representing the positions, motions, and phases of the planets, satellites, etc., in the solar system.
2. any of certain similar machines, as a planetarium.

orrery

/ ˈɒrərɪ /

noun

1. a mechanical model of the solar system in which the planets can be moved at the correct relative velocities around the sun

Word History and Origins

Origin of orrery¹

First recorded in 1705–15; named after Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery (1676–1731), for whom it was first made

Word History and Origins

Origin of orrery¹

C18: originally made for Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery

Example Sentences

Among the children were the famous Orrery, and the yet more famous Robert Boyle.

From Project Gutenberg

This came to the ears of the Earl of Orrery, who requested the butlers master to send him to his house, which the latter did.

From Project Gutenberg

You therefore present this orrery to any person, and desire him to choose one of the questions there written.

From Project Gutenberg

These are all placed on a wide plain in a fashion symbolising the Solar System: like an orrery.

From Project Gutenberg

His countenance, says Orrery, could be terribly expressive of the sterner passions.

From Project Gutenberg