precession Definition
- 1the slow movement of the axis of a spinning body around another axis due to a torque (such as gravitational influence) acting to change the direction of the first axis
- 2the gradual and continuous change in the orientation of the rotational axis of a rotating body
Using precession: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "precession" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The precession of the Earth's axis causes the North Star to change over time.
Example
The precession of the gyroscope is caused by the torque applied to it.
Example
The precession of the equinoxes is a well-known astronomical phenomenon.
precession Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for precession
Phrases with precession
Larmor precession
the precession of the magnetic moment of an object around an external magnetic field
Example
The Larmor precession of the electron is an important concept in quantum mechanics.
a relativistic correction to the precession of the spin of a particle
Example
The Thomas precession is an important effect in the theory of relativity.
precession of the equinoxes
the slow movement of the equinoxes along the ecliptic due to the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on the Earth's equatorial bulge
Example
The precession of the equinoxes was first discovered by the ancient Greeks.
Origins of precession
from Latin 'praecedere', meaning 'to go before'
Summary: precession in Brief
Precession [prəˈsɛʃ(ə)n] refers to the gradual and continuous change in the orientation of the rotational axis of a rotating body. It is caused by a torque, such as gravitational influence, acting to change the direction of the first axis. Examples include the precession of the Earth's axis and the precession of the gyroscope. Precession extends into phrases like 'Larmor precession' and 'precession of the equinoxes,' denoting specific types of precession.
