apsis

noun

ap·sis | \ ˈap-səs

How to pronounce apsis (audio)

\

plural apsides\ -sə-ˌdēz

How to pronounce apsides (audio)

\

Definition of apsis

1 : the point in an astronomical orbit at which the distance of the body from the center of attraction is either greatest or least

2 : apse sense 2

History and Etymology for apsis

borrowed from Medieval Latin apsīs, apsīda "arc, vault," going back to Latin apsīd-, apsīs (also hapsīs, absīs) "arc described by a planet, segment of a circle," borrowed from Greek hapsīd-, hapsís (Ionic apsís) "loop, mesh, rim of a wheel, wheel, disk, segment cut off by a rainbow, arch, vault," from ap-s-, stem in noun derivation of háptein "to fasten," háptesthai "to fasten oneself to, grasp" + -īd-, -īs, noun suffix — more at haptics

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about apsis

Dictionary Entries near apsis

Statistics for apsis

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for apsis

The first known use of apsis was in 1601

See more words from the same year

WORD OF THE DAY

decoct

to boil down or concentrate

Test Your Vocabulary

Original Meanings Quiz

Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games