The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pythagorean \Pyth`a*go"re*an\,
[L. Pythagoreus, Gr. ?.] Of or pertaining to Pythagoras (a Greek philosopher, born about 582
-
), or his philosophy.
The central thought of the Pythagorean philosophy is the idea of number, the recognition of the numerical and mathematical relations of things.
--Encyc. Brit.Pythagorean proposition (Geom.), the theorem that the square described upon the hypothenuse of a plane right-angled triangle is equal to the sum of the squares described upon the other two sides.
Pythagorean system (Astron.), the commonly received system of astronomy, first taught by Pythagoras, and afterward revived by Copernicus, whence it is also called the Copernican system.
Pythagorean letter. See Y.
Wikipedia
Copernican System may refer to:
- Copernican heliocentrism
- Rocks on the Earth's moon deposited during the Copernican period
Usage examples of "copernican system".
As acceptance of the Copernican system grew, the Earth was added to the list of planets, and the Sun and Moon were removed.
As those adept at numerological mysticism adjusted to the Copernican system, this self-indulgent mode of thinking spilled over from planets to moons.
In a sense, the Copernican system itself was not a crucial change.
The Copernican system showed that the earth is not the center of the universe, and suggested to a few bold spirits that perhaps man was not the supreme purpose of the Creator.
One of them, Cleanthes, wanted Aristarchus persecuted for advocating the Copernican system of astronomy.