precession

• Nom désignant le lent mouvement conique de l'axe d'un corps en rotation, comme une toupie ou un corps céleste, ou l'action de précéder dans le temps, l'ordre ou le rang.

A noun referring to the slow, conical wobble of the axis of a rotating body, such as a spinning top or a celestial body, or the act of preceding in time, order, or rank.

1. Wobbling motion of a spinning bodyC1formalscientific

   The slow, conical movement of the axis of a rotating object, such as a spinning top or a gyroscope, caused by an external torque.

   Précession (mouvement de l'axe d'un corps en rotation)

   • The precession of a gyroscope is used in navigation systems.
   • A spinning top demonstrates precession as it begins to slow down.
   • The Earth's axis undergoes a slow precession over thousands of years.

   Synonymeswobblewobbling

2. Act of preceding in time or orderC2formal

   The act of coming before something else in time, sequence, or rank, often in a formal or ceremonial context.

   précédence

   • The precession of the dignitaries marked the start of the ceremony.
   • In the procession, the precession of the royal family was a highlight.
   • The precession of events led to the final decision.

   Synonymesantecedenceprecedencepriority

   Antonymesfollowingsequelsuccession