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precession

Pronunciation: /prɪˈsɛʃ(ə)n/

Definition of precession

noun

[mass noun] Physics

the 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. It is seen in the circle slowly traced out by the pole of a spinning gyroscope.

Derivatives

precess
precessional

Origin:

late 16th century (as a term in astronomy, referring to the precession of the equinoxes): from late Latin praecessio(n-), from praecedere 'go before' (see precede)