Orbis
/ˈɔr.bis/noun
A Latin noun meaning a circle, ring, disk, wheel, or the world as a sphere.
Did you know?In Latin, orbis could mean both a literal circle and the “world,” which is why phrases like orbis terrarum meant the entire inhabited earth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₃erbh-
“A root meaning to turn, bend, or move around in a circular way.”
Latin
Latin
orbis
“A circle, ring, disk, wheel, or the disk of the earth/world.”
Late Latin
Latin
orbis terrarum
“The circle of lands; the inhabited world.”
Old French
Old French
orbite
“The path or track of a celestial body; also a hollow or cavity.”
Modern English
English
orbit
“The curved path of one object around another in space.”
Explore more surprising origins