n. & v.
n. 1 a the curved, usu. closed course of a planet, satellite, etc. b (prec. by in, into, out of, etc.) the state of motion in an orbit. c one complete passage around an orbited body. 2 the path of an electron round an atomic nucleus. 3 a range or sphere of action. 4 a the eye socket. b the area around the eye of a bird or insect.
v. (orbited, orbiting) 1 intr. a (of a satellite etc.) go round in orbit. b fly in a circle. 2 tr. move in orbit round. 3 tr. put into orbit. orbiter n.
[ L orbita course, track (in med.L eye-cavity): fem. of orbitus circular f. orbis ring ]