geocentric

adjective

geo·​cen·​tric ˌjē-ō-ˈsen-trik How to pronounce geocentric (audio)
1
a
: relating to, measured from, or as if observed from the earth's center compare topocentric
b
: having or relating to the earth as center compare heliocentric
2
: taking or based on the earth as the center of perspective and valuation
geocentrically
ˌjē-ō-ˈsen-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce geocentric (audio)
adverb

Examples of geocentric in a Sentence

the old geocentric theory that the Sun goes round the Earth
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.
The issue is that cities have been preparing for projections of geocentric sea-level rise, for instance with sea walls. — Matt Simon, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024 Science prides itself on being self-correcting; wrong theories are eventually made right, as in the old notion of a geocentric universe giving way to the modern view. — Sidney Perkowitz, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2024 Especially in light of a recent Times article noting how many conservative Christians feel disturbed—or, rather, their geocentric world view feels disturbed—by the idea of alien life. — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 11 June 2026 The Ptolemaic geocentric system seemed obvious, and was accepted on the basis of consensus, despite being erroneous. — Olga Tokarczuk, Harper's Magazine, 6 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for geocentric

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of geocentric was in 1686

Rhymes for geocentric

See All Rhymes for geocentric

Browse Nearby Words

geocarpic
geocentric
geocentricism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Geocentric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geocentric. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

geocentric

adjective
geo·​cen·​tric ˌjē-ō-ˈsen-trik How to pronounce geocentric (audio)
1
: relating to or measured from the earth's center
2
: having or relating to the earth as a center

More from Merriam-Webster on geocentric

Nglish: Translation of geocentric for Spanish Speakers

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