parallax

noun

par·​al·​lax ˈper-ə-ˌlaks How to pronounce parallax (audio)
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 To eliminate parallax errors, the minute and second hands are thoughtfully curved at the ends, a feature on all of Hanhart’s watches. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for parallax 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parallax.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of parallax was in 1580

Dictionary Entries Near parallax

Cite this Entry

“Parallax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parallax. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

parallax

noun
par·​al·​lax ˈpar-ə-ˌlaks How to pronounce parallax (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce parallax (audio)
: 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 shiftedEdmund Andrews

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