precession of the equinoxes

noun phrase

: a slow westward motion of the equinoxes along the ecliptic caused by the gravitational action of sun and moon upon the protuberant matter about the earth's equator

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of precession of the equinoxes was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near precession of the equinoxes

precession

precession of the equinoxes

pre-Chellean

Cite this Entry

“Precession of the equinoxes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precession%20of%20the%20equinoxes. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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