ptolemy

Everyday

1. (a name) Ptolemy was a Greek scientist who lived in Alexandria in Egypt about 1,900 years ago (around 100–170 AD); he wrote that the Earth was at the centre of the universe and made famous maps. tree →
2. (a name) Ptolemy was also the name of several kings of ancient Egypt after Alexander the Great, including the family of Cleopatra. tree →

In the lessons

In science history lessons Ptolemy's Earth-centred model was later replaced by Copernicus's Sun-centred model; in history lessons the Ptolemies ruled Egypt. Phrases: Ptolemy's model, the Ptolemaic kings.

Examples

• Ptolemy thought the Sun went round the Earth. tree →
• Ptolemy drew maps of the known world. tree →
• Copernicus showed Ptolemy's model was wrong. tree →
• Cleopatra came from the family of Ptolemy. tree →
• Ptolemy lived in Alexandria. tree →
• The Ptolemy kings built the great library of Alexandria. tree →

Note

A name: capital P. Say TOL-uh-mee; the p is silent. Adjective: Ptolemaic.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The commentator uses Ptolemy's date to argue that a passage in Sefer Yetzirah must have been added later, since the book's author lived long before him. In the primary lessons: In science history lessons Ptolemy's Earth-centred model was later replaced by Copernicus's Sun-centred model; in history lessons the Ptolemies ruled Egypt. Phrases: Ptolemy's model, the Ptolemaic kings.

Examples

• But this arrangement is undoubtedly an interpolation of a later time, as the author of the book "Yezirah" lived many years before Ptolemy. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

A name: capital P. Say TOL-uh-mee; the p is silent. Adjective: Ptolemaic.