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volvelle
[ vol-vel ]
/ ˈvɒl vɛl /
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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.
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Origin of volvelle
1400–50; late Middle English <Medieval Latin volvella, equivalent to Latin volv(ere) to turn + -ella-elle
Words nearby volvelle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use volvelle in a sentence
The lunar phase volvelle can be seen through the circular opening at the back of the astrolabe.
On the Origin of Clockwork, Perpetual Motion Devices, and the Compass|Derek J. de Solla Price