orbital

5 definitions • 7 examples

relating to the orbit (= curved path) of an object in space:

an orbital space station

The spacecraft had to dodge orbital debris coming its way.

relating to the eye socket (= the bone around the eye):

The patient’s face swelled up as a result of orbital cellulitis, a bacterial infection.

Fractures of the orbital apex can result in sight defects.

the path that an electron or electrons take around the nucleus (= central part) of an atom:

It is assumed that particle interactions keep electrons in their orbitals around nuclei.

a piercing (= a hole made in the body for wearing jewellery) that involves making two holes close together, especially on the ear, lip, or eyebrow, and connecting them with a piece of jewellery, usually a ring-shaped one :

The orbital features two holes connected by one piece of jewellery.

Flight attendants are not usually allowed to have orbital piercings.

the path that an electron or electrons take around the nucleus (= central part) of an atom