precession

noun

pre·​ces·​sion prē-ˈse-shən How to pronounce precession (audio)
: a comparatively slow gyration of the rotation axis of a spinning body about another line intersecting it so as to describe a cone
precessional
prē-ˈsesh-nəl How to pronounce precession (audio)
-ˈse-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of precession 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.
In consequence, the precession speeds up, the wobbles get tighter, and the light curve chirps. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Mar. 2026 The calculations revealed a lack of precession prior to the merger. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026 As their orbit tightens, the relativistic precession of the stars speeds up, while the planet’s precession slows down, because the stars act more like a single object from far away. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026 Simply put, humans’ lives are valuable and should not to be at the mercy of a technical error that could be made by these AI systems regardless of its high precession. — Mohamed Suliman, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precession

Word History

Etymology

earlier in sense precession of the equinoxes, borrowed from Medieval Latin praecessiōn-, praecessiō, literally, "going before or ahead (in space or time)," going back to Late Latin, from Latin praecēdere "to go in front (of), precede" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of precession was in 1879

Phrases Containing precession

Rhymes for precession

See All Rhymes for precession

Browse Nearby Words

precess
precession
precessional
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Cite this Entry

“Precession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precession. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

precession

noun
pre·​ces·​sion prē-ˈsesh-ən How to pronounce precession (audio)
: a comparatively slow circling of the rotation axis of a spinning body about another line intersecting it
precess
prē-ˈses, 
ˈprē-ˌses
verb

More from Merriam-Webster on precession

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about precession

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