parallax

noun

par·​al·​lax ˈper-ə-ˌlaks How to pronounce parallax (audio)
ˈpa-rə-
: the apparent displacement or the difference in apparent direction of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object
especially : the angular difference in direction of a celestial body as measured from two points on the earth's orbit

Examples of parallax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fujifilm has added a new parallax correction function to the Mini 99’s viewfinder that automatically engages when the macro mode is selected. Paul Monckton, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 In the past few years these measurements have been replicated by many studies and further refined with the aid of the European Space Agency Gaia parallax observatory to 73 ± 1. Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 To eliminate parallax errors, the minute and second hands are thoughtfully curved at the ends, a feature on all of Hanhart’s watches. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 Astronomers use parallax to determine the distance of stars. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parallax 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French parallaxe, from Greek parallaxis, from parallassein to change, from para- + allassein to change, from allos other

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parallax was in 1580

Dictionary Entries Near parallax

Cite this Entry

“Parallax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parallax. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

parallax

noun
par·​al·​lax ˈpar-ə-ˌlaks How to pronounce parallax (audio)
: the apparent shift in position of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object

Medical Definition

parallax

noun
par·​al·​lax ˈpar-ə-ˌlaks How to pronounce parallax (audio)
: the apparent displacement or the difference in apparent direction of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object
motion parallax governs the way objects appear to move when the eyes or head are shiftedEdmund Andrews

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