armillary sphere

noun

ar·​mil·​la·​ry sphere ˈär-mə-ˌler-ē- How to pronounce armillary sphere (audio) är-ˈmi-lə-rē- How to pronounce armillary sphere (audio)
: an old astronomical instrument composed of rings showing the positions of important circles of the celestial sphere

Examples of armillary sphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One method of cosmic display at this time was the armillary sphere, a globe-like model with several rings to illustrate the motion of the Sun, moon and stars. — Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 13 Jan. 2023 Two features of the Portuguese flag — the coat of arms and an armillary sphere, a pattern of rings meant to represent the heavens — affirmed its provenance. — Ernie Mastroianni, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of New Latin sphaera armillaris; armillary borrowed from New Latin armillāris, from Latin armilla "bracelet, armband, metal ring" (usually in plural armillae; Medieval Latin also "armillary sphere") (from armus "forequarter of an animal, shoulder" + -illa, feminine diminutive suffix) + -āris -ar — more at arm entry 1

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of armillary sphere was in 1625

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“Armillary sphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armillary%20sphere. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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