Apsis is a term that is commonly used in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. It is a word that refers to a point or a line that is furthest away from the center of a curved shape. The term apsis is derived from the Greek word ‘apsides,’ which means ‘arch’ or ‘vault.’ In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of apsis, its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
An apsis is a point that is either the highest or the lowest point on an orbit of a planet or a satellite. In astronomy, there are two types of apsides – the apogee, which is the point in an orbit that is furthest away from the Earth, and the perigee, which is the point in an orbit that is closest to the Earth.
In architecture, an apsis is a semicircular or polygonal projection that is typically found at the end of a building. It is commonly used in churches and other religious buildings as the location of the altar.
In mathematics, an apsis is a point on a curve that is either the highest or the lowest point on the curve. It is also known as a vertex or a singular point.
Origin
The word apsis is derived from the Greek word ‘apsides,’ which means ‘arch’ or ‘vault.’ The term was first used in astronomy to describe the points in an orbit of a planet or a satellite that are furthest away from or closest to the Earth. The term was later adopted in architecture to describe the semicircular or polygonal projection at the end of a building.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, apsis is defined as “the point of greatest or least distance of the orbit of a celestial body from its center of attraction.” In Merriam-Webster, it is defined as “either of the two points on the orbit of a celestial body that are nearest to or farthest from the body around which it revolves.”
Associations
Apsis is commonly associated with astronomy, architecture, and mathematics. In astronomy, it is used to describe the points in an orbit of a planet or a satellite that are furthest away from or closest to the Earth. In architecture, it is used to describe the semicircular or polygonal projection at the end of a building. In mathematics, it is used to describe a point on a curve that is either the highest or the lowest point on the curve.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of apsis include vertex, singular point, focus, and perigee.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of apsis, but it can be contrasted with other terms in astronomy such as aphelion and perihelion, which refer to the points in an orbit of a planet or a satellite that are furthest away from or closest to the sun.
The same root words
The root word ‘apsis’ is also found in other words such as apse, which is a semicircular or polygonal projection that is typically found at the end of a building, and apsidal, which refers to something that is shaped like an apse.
Example Sentences
- The apogee of the moon’s orbit is the point furthest away from the Earth.
- The apse of the church is where the altar is located.
- The curve has a singular point or apsis at the vertex.
- The satellite will reach its perigee in a few hours.