parallax

noun

par·​al·​lax ˈper-ə-ˌlaks 

ˈpa-rə-

: the apparent displacement or the difference in apparent direction of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object

especially : the angular difference in direction of a celestial body as measured from two points on the earth's orbit

Examples of parallax in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Astronomers use parallax to determine the distance of stars. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2024

Our brain automatically interprets the discrepancy (or parallax) as depth. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2024

In this case, frame your images using the mirror on the front rather than the viewfinder, as parallax distortion is an issue up close. —Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2024

The pen is exceptionally accurate, with no discernible parallax issues. —PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French parallaxe, from Greek parallaxis, from parallassein to change, from para- + allassein to change, from allos other

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

parallax

noun

par·​al·​lax ˈpar-ə-ˌlaks 

: the apparent shift in position of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object

Medical Definition

parallax

noun

par·​al·​lax ˈpar-ə-ˌlaks 

: the apparent displacement or the difference in apparent direction of an object as seen from two different points not on a straight line with the object

motion parallax governs the way objects appear to move when the eyes or head are shifted

—Edmund Andrews