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

• apsidal
  adjective

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

Idoque apsis summa singulis revolutionibus progrediendo conficit 1° 31′ 28″.

From Outlines of a Mechanical Theory of Storms Containing the True Law of Lunar Influence by Bassnett, Thomas

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

Apsid- apsides apsis Cantharid- cantharides cantharis Chrysalid- chrysalides chrysalis Ephemerid- ephemerides ephemeris Tripod- tripodes tripos.

From A Handbook of the English Language by Latham, R. G. (Robert Gordon)

It is a curious structure in brick and mortar, with an apsis and an odd arrangement of round arches sunken in the outer wall and still deeper pointed ones.

From Castilian Days by Hay, John

An opinion has commonly prevailed, that an epitaph, still visible on the exterior of the apsis, is that of the builder of the church.

From Architectural Antiquities of Normandy by Cotman, John Sell