apsis

American  

[ap-sis] / ˈæp sɪs /

noun

apsides plural

1. Astronomy. either of two points in an eccentric orbit, one higher apsis farthest from the center of attraction, the other lower apsis nearest to the center of attraction.

2. Architecture. an apse.

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apsis British  

/ ˈæpsɪs, æpˈsaɪdəl, ˈæpsɪdəl /

noun

1. Also called: apse.  either of two points lying at the extremities of an eccentric orbit of a planet, satellite, etc, such as the aphelion and perihelion of a planet or the apogee and perigee of the moon. The line of apsides connects two such points and is the principal axis of the orbit

2. another name for apse

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apsis Scientific  

/ ăp′sĭs /

apsides plural

1. In the path of an orbiting body, either of the two points at which it is closest to or farthest away from the body it is orbiting.

2. See also apoapsis periapsis

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• apsidal
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• apsides
  plural

Etymology

Origin of apsis

1595–1605; < Latin < Greek hapsís (felloe of ) a wheel, arch, vault, originally, fastening, equivalent to háp ( tein ) to fasten + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

The tomb is in the wall, behind a range of pillars, which form a kind of open screen round the apsis.

From Account of a Tour in Normandy, Volume 1 by Turner, Dawson

These are supported by short massy pillars: an embattled moulding runs round the windows.—In the choir the arches become pointed, but with Norman mouldings: the apsis is a reconstruction.

From Architectural Antiquities of Normandy by Cotman, John Sell

The interior of the principal church in this monastery is interesting from the number of early Greek pictures which it contains, and which are hung on the walls of the apsis behind the altar.

From Visits To Monasteries in the Levant by Curzon, Robert

The half domes of the apsis and two transepts, which were of well-built masonry, were still entire, and the original frescos remain upon them.

From Visits To Monasteries in the Levant by Curzon, Robert