precess

[ pree-ses ]

verb (used without object)Mechanics.

to undergo precession (def. 2).

Origin of precess

First recorded in 1890–95; back formation from precession

Words Nearby precess

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use precess in a sentence

Gravitational effects are known to cause the orbit’s ellipse to precess, or rotate, by about 17 degrees per year.
The only known pulsar duo sheds new light on general relativity and more | Emily Conover | December 13, 2021 | Science News
For example, the researchers measure the rate at which the orbit’s ellipse rotates, or precesses, to see if it agrees with expectations.
The only known pulsar duo sheds new light on general relativity and more | Emily Conover | December 13, 2021 | Science News
Instead of tumbling, it begins to precess around the trajectory of the ball.
Researchers reveal the secret to the perfect football throw | Harini Barath | December 15, 2020 | Science News For Students
Flexing it—which would happen if they let the asteroid precess at will—would soon fatigue even that heavy bolt.
Thin Edge | Gordon Randall Garrett
The Security men were attempting to instruct the computer to precess the wheel back to its original position.
Where I Wasn't Going | Walt Richmond

If allowed to "precess" it will respond by moving perpendicularly to a deflecting force.
The Ether of Space | Oliver Lodge

British Dictionary definitions for precess

precess

/ (prɪˈsɛs) /

verb

to undergo or cause to undergo precession

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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