precessionaladj.
/prᵻˈsɛʃn̩(ə)l/, /prᵻˈsɛʃən(ə)l/, U.S. /prəˈsɛʃ(ə)nəl/ Astronomy and Physics.
Of, relating to, or of the nature of precession (precession n.2 1).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > celestial sphere > circle of celestial sphere > [adjective] > ecliptic > precession
precessional1827
the world > matter > physics > mechanics > types of motion > [adjective] > precession
precessional1827
1827 G. Higgins Celtic Druids 10 They discovered the great zodiacal or precessional year of 25,920 years.
1866 R. A. Proctor Handbk. Stars 4 Corrections due to the precessional motions.
1895 H. G. Wells Time Machine x. 103 I thought of the great precessional cycle that the pole of the earth describes.
1908 Man. Seamanship (1915) I. viii. 175 This precessional movement would go on indefinitely, if some means were not taken of damping it and finally stopping it.
1962 F. I. Ordway et al. Basic Astronautics v. 187 The proton precessional type was successfully flown in the Vanguard 3 satellite.
1998 T. McKenna in J. M. Jenkins Maya Cosmogenesis p. xxvi This precessional alignment of the winter solstice sun with the galaxy is the phenomenon..to which the ancient Olmec/Maya anchored their great calendar.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1827