appulse

noun

ap·​pulse

əˈpəls,

aˈp-,

ˈaˌp- also -lts

plural -s

1

: a driving or running toward something (such as a place) : act of striking against something (such as a point)

the days have passed when national differences could be settled by the appulse of small professional armies

—R. S. Ellery

2

: the apparent very near approach of one celestial body to another : a coming into conjunction see lunar appulse

Word History

Etymology

Latin appulsus driving forward, approach, from appulsus, past participle of appellere to drive toward, strike against, from ad- + pellere to drive, beat, push

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now