mean distance

noun

: the arithmetical mean of the maximum and minimum distances of an orbiting celestial object from its primary

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mean distance was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near mean distance

Cite this Entry

“Mean distance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mean%20distance. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!