In the geocentric model for the solar system developed by Ptolemy, to what does the word "deferent" refer?
A) distance of the center of the epicycle from the center of Earth
B) small circle about which a planet moves while the center of the circle moves around Earth
C) distance of offset between the center of Earth and the center of a planet's orbit
D) large circle (orbit) that carries the planet around Earth while the planet itself is moving in a smaller circle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "deferent" in Ptolemy's geocentric model refers to the large circle or orbit that carries the planet around Earth, while the planet itself moves in a smaller circle, known as an epicycle.

In the Geocentric Model for the Solar System Developed by Ptolemy