Either of two constants occurring in a pair of equations relating the radial and tangential velocities of a star in the Galaxy to its distance from the sun.
Origin
1940s.
Definition of Oort constant in US English:
Oort constant
(also Oort's constant)
noun
Astronomy
Either of two constants occurring in a pair of equations relating the radial and tangential velocities of a star in the Galaxy to its distance from the sun.