actio ad distans

noun

ac·​tio ad di·​stans

-ˌad-ˈdi-ˌstanz,

-ˌäd-ˈdi-ˌstän(t)s

variants or actio in distans

-ˌin-ˈdi-

: action at a distance or without contact

Leibnitz held that the apparent physical impossibility of actio ad distans was an objection to gravitation

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!