apsis

ap·sis  (pss)

n. pl. ap·si·des (-s-dz)

1. Architecture An apse.

2. Astronomy The point of greatest or least distance of the orbit of a celestial body from a center of attraction.

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[Late Latin, from Latin, arch, vault, from Greek hapsis, from haptein, to fasten.]

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apsis [ˈæpsɪs]

n pl apsides [æpˈsaɪdiːz ˈæpsɪˌdiːz]

1. (Astronomy) 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. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Architecture) another name for apse [1]

[via Latin from Greek; see apse]

apsidal  [æpˈsaɪd^əl ˈæpsɪd^əl] adj

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apsis  (pss)

Plural apsides (ps-dz)

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. See also apoapsisperiapsis

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apsis - The extreme point of an orbit.

See also related terms for orbit.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

apsis - a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar apse church building, church - a place for public (especially Christian) worship; "the church was empty" niche, recess - an enclosure that is set back or indented tribune - the apse of a Christian church that contains the bishop's throne