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Locus vs Orbit - What's the difference?

locus | orbit |

In mathematics terms the difference between locus and orbit

is that locus is the set of all points whose coordinates satisfy a given equation or condition while orbit is a collection of points related by the evolution function of a dynamical system.

As nouns the difference between locus and orbit

is that locus is a place or locality, especially a centre of activity or the scene of a crime while orbit is a circular or elliptical path of one object around another object.

As a verb orbit is

to circle or revolve around another object.

locus

English

Noun

(loci)
  • A place or locality, especially a centre of activity or the scene of a crime.
    • The cafeteria was the locus of activity.
  • (mathematics) The set of all points whose coordinates satisfy a given equation or condition.
    • A circle is the locus of points from which the distance to the center is a given value, the radius.
  • (genetics) A fixed position on a chromosome that may be occupied by one or more genes.

    • Usage notes

    * sometimes confused with locust

    Related terms

    * local * locality * localization * localize * locate * location * locator

    orbit

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A circular or elliptical path of one object around another object.
    • The Moon's orbit around the Earth takes nearly one month to complete.
  • A sphere of influence; an area of control.
    • In the post WWII era, several eastern European countries came into the orbit of the Soviet Union.
  • The course of one's usual progression, or the extent of one's typical range.
    • The convenience store was a heavily travelled point in her daily orbit , as she purchased both cigarettes and lottery tickets there.
  • (anatomy) The bony cavity containing the eyeball; the eye socket.
  • (physics) The path an electron takes around an atom's nucleus.
  • (mathematics) A collection of points related by the evolution function of a dynamical system.

    • Derived terms

    * *

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To circle or revolve around another object.
    • The Earth orbits the Sun.
  • To move around the general vicinity of something.
    • The harried mother had a cloud of children orbiting her, asking for sweets.
  • To place an object into an orbit around a planet.
    • A rocket was used to orbit the satellite.

    Synonyms

    * (move around the general vicinity of) circumambulate, tag along * (place an object into an orbit) launch

    Derived terms

    * orbital

    See also

    * satellite * (wikipedia "orbit")