libration
noun
li·bra·tion
lī-ˈbrā-shən 
: an oscillation in the apparent aspect of a secondary body (such as a planet or a satellite) as seen from the primary object around which it revolves
Examples of libration in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But each full moon varies month to month, due to its slightly shifting orientation, known as libration, and the changing distance from Earth in its elliptical orbit.
—
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 19 July 2024
Based on the new model and Enceladus' libration — relatively large back-and-forth swings during its orbit — the data indicate the moon's ocean is only a few miles beneath the surface.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2016
The discovery pivots on the detection of a curious libration—a wobble—in the rotation of Mimas.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022
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.
Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 19 July 2024
Based on the new model and Enceladus' libration — relatively large back-and-forth swings during its orbit — the data indicate the moon's ocean is only a few miles beneath the surface.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2016
The discovery pivots on the detection of a curious libration—a wobble—in the rotation of Mimas.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Libration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libration. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share