Kepler's law

noun

Kep·​ler's law
ˈkeplə(r)z-
1
: a statement in astronomy: the orbit of each planet is an ellipse that has the sun at one focus
2
: a statement in astronomy: the radius vector from the sun to each planet generates equal orbital areas in equal times
3
: a statement in astronomy: the ratio of the square of the revolution period to the cube of the orbital major axis is the same for all the planets

Word History

Etymology

after Johannes Kepler

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Kepler's law

Cite this Entry

“Kepler's law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kepler%27s%20law. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!