armillary sphere

noun ar·mil·la·ry sphere \ˈär-mə-ˌler-ē-, är-ˈmi-lə-rē-\

Definition of ARMILLARY SPHERE

: an old astronomical instrument composed of rings showing the positions of important circles of the celestial sphere

French sphère armillaire, from Medieval Latin armilla, from Latin, bracelet, iron ring, from armus shoulder — more at arm

First Known Use: 1664

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