mean distance

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the arithmetic mean of the greatest and least distances of a planet from the sun, used in stating the size of an orbit; the semimajor axis.

mean distance

noun

1. the average of the greatest and least distances of a celestial body from its primary

Word History and Origins

Origin of mean distance¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

This speed, caused by the solar mass itself, keeps our planet at the same mean distance from the central star.

From Project Gutenberg

The square of the time of revolution (or year) of each planet is proportional to the cube of its mean distance from the sun.

From Project Gutenberg

On the orbit of the moon, at its mean distance from the earth, each of these straight sides would be about 6,000 feet long.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been calculated that the whites advance a mean distance of seventeen miles along the whole of this vast boundary.

From Project Gutenberg

The mean distance from the Atlantic to the Mississippi does not probably exceed seven hundred and fifty miles.

From Project Gutenberg