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precession of the equinoxes
noun phrase
: a slow westward motion of the equinoxes along the ecliptic caused by the gravitational action of sun and moon upon the protuberant matter about the earth's equator
Examples of precession of the equinoxes in a Sentence
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According to Benson, your sun sign won’t change with the shifting of the solstice, known as the precession of the equinoxes, however.
—Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1621, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of precession of the equinoxes was
in 1621
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Cite this Entry
“Precession of the equinoxes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precession%20of%20the%20equinoxes. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.
More from Merriam-Webster on precession of the equinoxes
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about precession of the equinoxes
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