PRECESSIONAL Meaning and
Definition
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Precessional is an adjective used to describe a specific type of motion or phenomenon related to the rotation of a celestial body, particularly Earth. It refers to the gradual change in the orientation or direction of the rotational axis of a spinning object. This movement is different from the regular rotation around its axis.
In the case of Earth, the concept of precessional movement is commonly referred to as axial precession or the precession of the equinoxes. It describes the slow, cyclical change in the direction of Earth's rotational axis over a period of approximately 26,000 years. This precession is caused by various factors, including the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun, as well as the distribution of mass within the Earth.
The precessional movement has significant implications for various astronomical and terrestrial phenomena. It is responsible for the shifting positions of the celestial poles and changes in the positions of stars in the night sky over long periods of time. Moreover, the precession of Earth's axis affects astronomical phenomena, such as the timing of solstices and equinoxes, altering the length and distribution of seasons.
In summary, precessional refers to the slow, cyclical change in the orientation or direction of the rotational axis of a celestial body, particularly Earth. It is an astronomical phenomenon that has significant implications for celestial navigation, the positions of celestial bodies, and the timing of seasonal changes on Earth.
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Pert. to the precession of the equinoxes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PRECESSIONAL
- orecessional
- lrecessional
- 0recessional
- peecessional
- pdecessional
- pfecessional
- ptecessional
- p5ecessional
- p4ecessional
- prwcessional
- prscessional
- prdcessional
- prrcessional
- pr4cessional
- pr3cessional
- prexessional
- prevessional
- predessional
- precwssional
Etymology of PRECESSIONAL
The word "precessional" is derived from the noun "precession", which in turn comes from the Latin word "praecedere", meaning "to go before" or "to precede". The "-al" suffix is added to form the adjective form of the word, indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to" precession. Precession refers to the gradual change in the orientation of the rotational axis of a spinning object, such as a gyroscope or planet, resulting from an external force or torque.
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