volvelle

[ vol-vel ]
/ ˈvɒl vɛl /

noun Astronomy.

a medieval instrument consisting of a series of concentric rotating disks, used to compute the phases of the moon and its position in relation to that of the sun.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of volvelle

1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin volvella, equivalent to Latin volv(ere) to turn + -ella -elle

Words nearby volvelle

volute, volute spring, volutin, volution, volva, volvelle, volvent, volvox, volvulosis, volvulus, volzhsky
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020