libration

[ lahy-brey-shuhn ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a real or apparent oscillatory motion, especially of the moon.

libration

/ laɪˈbreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of oscillating
2. a real or apparent oscillation of the moon enabling approximately 59 per cent of the surface to be visible from the earth over a period of time

Derived Forms

• liˈbrational, adjective

Other Words From

• li·bration·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of libration¹

1595–1605; < Latin lībrātiōn- (stem of lībrātiō ) a balancing. See librate, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of libration¹

C17: from Latin librātus, from librāre to balance

Example Sentences

For other worlds, we usually have to rely on other data: fluctuations in gravity, or the gentle rocking motion known as libration.

From The Daily Beast

The authors of the new study used data from the Cassini probe orbiting Saturn to measure the libration of Mimas.

From The Daily Beast

However, both the Moon and Mimas experience libration wobbling slightly and bringing part of the “far side” into view.

From The Daily Beast

To see how a global ocean could affect libration, take two bottles, fill one with sand and the other with water, then spin them.

From The Daily Beast

But it is only an insignificant margin of the far side of the moon which this libration permits us to examine.

From Project Gutenberg

One more astronomical discovery also he was to make—that of the moon's libration.

From Project Gutenberg

Its rhythmic libration typified to him the principle of change in existence and of existence in change.

From Project Gutenberg

Here the honourable luminary gave a sort of modest libration, which convulsed the meeting with laughter.

From Project Gutenberg

At no time did Browning write verse which soars with a more steadfast and impassioned libration of wing.

From Project Gutenberg