Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
copernican
adjective
/kəˈpɜrnɪkən/
Definition
Relating to the ideas or theories of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, particularly the heliocentric model of the universe, which posits that the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun.
Examples
- The Copernican revolution fundamentally changed our understanding of the cosmos.
- Many people struggled to accept the Copernican theory at first, as it contradicted long-held beliefs.
- His Copernican view of the universe laid the groundwork for modern astronomy.
Meaning
The term ‘Copernican’ is often used to describe a fundamental shift in perspective or paradigm, especially in scientific contexts.
Synonyms
- heliocentric
- revolutionary
- paradigm-shifting
