Apsides

4 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Apsides \Ap"si*des\ ([a^]p"s[i^]*d[=e]z), n. pl.
     See {Apsis}.
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:



  Apsis \Ap"sis\ ([a^]p"s[i^]s), n.; pl. {Apsides}
     ([a^]p"s[i^]*d[=e]z). See {Apse}. [L. apsis, absis, Gr.
     "apsi`s, "apsi^dos, a tying, fastening, the hoop of a wheel,
     the wheel, a bow, arch, vault, fr. "a`ptein to fasten.]
     1. (Astron.) One of the two points of an orbit, as of a
        planet or satellite, which are at the greatest and least
        distance from the central body, corresponding to the
        aphelion and perihelion of a planet, or to the apogee and
        perigee of the moon. The more distant is called the higher
        apsis; the other, the lower apsis; and the line joining
        them, the line of apsides.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Math.) In a curve referred to polar co["o]rdinates, any
        point for which the radius vector is a maximum or minimum.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Arch.) Same as {Apse}.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  apsides
       See {apsis}

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  apsis
       n : a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building
           especially the east end of a church; usually contains the
           altar [syn: {apse}]
       [also: {apsides} (pl)]