órbita
nounCEFR B2
What does “órbita” mean in English?
orbit — the curved path of a celestial body; figuratively, an area of influence
orbit — the curved path of a celestial body; figuratively, an area of influence (poner en órbita; en la órbita de)
Example sentences
El satélite fue puesto en órbita con éxito y empezará a transmitir datos científicos en las próximas horas.
The satellite was successfully put into orbit and will begin transmitting scientific data within hours.
Los tres países del Báltico pasaron de la órbita soviética a la integración en la UE en apenas una generación.
The three Baltic countries moved from the Soviet orbit to EU integration in barely a generation.
El nuevo lanzamiento de la agencia espacial fallida fue el quinto intento de alcanzar la órbita.
The space agency's new launch attempt was the fifth attempt to reach orbit.
How to use it
La órbita (noun, feminine) means 'orbit' — the curved path of a celestial body around another; figuratively, the sphere of influence of a person or group. Key collocations: poner en órbita; órbita terrestre/lunar; en la órbita de (under the influence of); entrar en órbita; estación orbital. The phrase poner en órbita (to put into orbit, launch) is both literal and figurative. In the figurative sense, estar en la órbita de = to be in the orbit/sphere of influence.
Common mistake
Poner en órbita (to launch/put into orbit) is both literal and figurative. En la órbita de = in the sphere of influence. Orbital (adjective): estación orbital. Órbita ocular (eye socket) is an anatomical sense — context disambiguates. 'Orbital' (adjective) = orbital. Don't confuse with trayectoria (trajectory — the path of a projectile).