Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
precession
noun
/prɪˈsɛʃ.ən/
Definition
The gradual change or movement in the orientation of an astronomical body’s rotational axis.
Examples
- The precession of the equinoxes is a slow shift in the alignment of the stars as observed from Earth.
- Scientists study the precession of spinning tops to understand angular momentum.
- The precession of the Earth’s axis takes approximately 26,000 years to complete one cycle.
Meaning
Precession refers to the phenomenon where the axis of a rotating object, like the Earth, slowly moves around in a circle, rather than pointing in a fixed direction.
Synonyms
- Rotation
- Gyration
- Revolution
