Category:Apsis

Ap"sis, n.; pl. Apsides. See Apse. Etym: [L. apsis, absis, Gr.

1. (Astron.)

Defn: 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.

2. (Math.)

Defn: In a curve referred to polar coördinates, any point for which the radius vector is a maximum or minimum.

3. (Arch.)

Defn: Same as Apse.