Epicycle vs. Deferent — What's the Difference?

In Ptolemaic cosmology, a small circle, the center of which moves on the circumference of a larger circle at whose center is the earth and the circumference of which describes the orbit of one of the planets around the earth.

Showing deference; deferential.

(Mathematics) A circle whose circumference rolls along the circumference of a fixed circle, thereby generating an epicycloid or a hypocycloid.

(Anatomy) Carrying down or away. Used of a duct or vessel.

(astronomy) A small circle whose centre is on the circumference of a larger circle; in Ptolemaic astronomy it was seen as the basis of revolution of the "seven planets", given a fixed central Earth.

Serving or adapted to carry or transport.

(geometry) Any circle whose circumference rolls around that of another circle, thus creating a hypocycloid or epicycloid.

Showing deference; deferential.

(organic chemistry) A ring of atoms joining parts of an already cyclic compound

(obsolete) Serving to carry; bearing.

(figuratively) An ad hoc complication added to a model to make it fit the known data

(anatomy) A deferent duct in the body, as opposed to an afferent one.

A circle, whose center moves round in the circumference of a greater circle; or a small circle, whose center, being fixed in the deferent of a planet, is carried along with the deferent, and yet, by its own peculiar motion, carries the body of the planet fastened to it round its proper center.

(obsolete) That which carries or conveys.

A circle which rolls on the circumference of another circle, either externally or internally.

An imaginary circle surrounding the Earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the centre of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.

A circle that rolls around (inside or outside) another circle; generates an epicycloid or hypocycloid

Serving to carry; bearing.

That which carries or conveys.

An imaginary circle surrounding the earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the center of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.

Showing deference