precess

verb

pre·​cess prē-ˈses How to pronounce precess (audio) ˈprē-ˌses How to pronounce precess (audio)
precessed; precessing; precesses

intransitive verb

: to progress with a movement of precession

transitive verb

: to cause to precess

Examples of precess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This can lead to Earth's orbit precessing around the sun. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2025 When the rate – or frequency, as scientists call it – at which the tops are precessing, or spinning, matches the frequency at which the car is bumping up and down, something called a spin-orbit resonance occurs. — Gongjie Li, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from precession

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of precess was in 1892

Rhymes for precess

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Browse Nearby Words

precess
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Cite this Entry

“Precess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precess. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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