precession

noun

pre·​ces·​sion prē-ˈse-shən 

: a comparatively slow gyration of the rotation axis of a spinning body about another line intersecting it so as to describe a cone

precessional

prē-ˈsesh-nəl 

-ˈse-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of precession in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This shift is a result of Earth’s slow wobbling on its axis, known as precession. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024

Predating the Greeks The find also appears to confirm that ancient people were able to record dates by studying the Earth's precession, in which the rotation in Earth’s axis can alter the movement of constellations across the sky. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2024

This slightly faster precession prevents it from experiencing spin orbit resonances. —Gongjie Li, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024

This tilt is what astrophysicists call spin precession. —Gongjie Li, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin praecession-, praecessio, from Medieval Latin, act of preceding, from Latin praecedere to precede

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing precession

• precession of the equinoxes

Kids Definition

precession

noun

pre·​ces·​sion prē-ˈsesh-ən 

: a comparatively slow circling of the rotation axis of a spinning body about another line intersecting it

precess

prē-ˈses

ˈprē-ˌses

verb