Definition of Libration

1. Noun. (astronomy) a real or apparent slow oscillation of a moon or satellite. "The libration of the moon"

Category relationships: Astronomy, Uranology
Generic synonyms: Variation, Oscillation
Derivative terms: Librate

Definition of Libration

1. n. The act or state of librating.

Definition of Libration

1. [n -S]

Medical Definition of Libration

1. 1. The act or state of librating. 2. A real or apparent libratory motion, like that of a balance before coming to rest. Libration of the moon, any one of those small periodical changes in the position of the moon's surface relatively to the earth, in consequence of which narrow portions at opposite limbs become visible or invisible alternately. It receives different names according to the manner in which it takes place; as: (a) Libration in longitude, that which, depending on the place of the moon in its elliptic orbit, causes small portions near the eastern and western borders alternately to appear and disappear each month. (b) Libration in latitude, that which depends on the varying position of the moon's axis in respect to the spectator, causing the alternate appearance and disappearance of either pole. (c) Diurnal or parallactic libration, that which brings into view on the upper limb, at rising and setting, some parts not in the average visible hemisphere. Origin: L. Libratio: cf. F. Libration. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Libration

library paste
library program
library routine
library schools
library science
library science
library services
library surveys
library technical services
libras
librate
librated
librates
librating
libration (current term)
libration (current term)
librational
librations
libratory
Libra the Balance
Libra the Scales
libretti
librettist
librettists
libretto
librettos
Libreville
libri
libriform
libriform

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