Lexic.us

Definition of Parallax

1. Noun. The apparent displacement of an object as seen from two different points that are not on a line with the object.

Definition of Parallax

1. n. The apparent displacement, or difference of position, of an object, as seen from two different stations, or points of view.

Definition of Parallax

1. Noun. The change of angular position of two stationary points relative to each other as seen by an observer, due to the motion of an observer ¹

2. Noun. The apparent shift of an object against a background due to a change in observer position ¹

3. Noun. The angle of seeing of the astronomical unit ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Parallax

1. an apparent optical displacement of an object [n -ES]

Medical Definition of Parallax

1. 1. The apparent displacement, or difference of position, of an object, as seen from two different stations, or points of view. 2. The apparent difference in position of a body (as the sun, or a star) as seen from some point on the earth's surface, and as seen from some other conventional point, as the earth's center or the sun. Annual parallax, the greatest value of the heliocentric parallax, or the greatest annual apparent change of place of a body as seen from the earth and sun; as, the annual parallax of a fixed star. Binocular parallax, the apparent difference in position of an object as seen separately by one eye, and then by the other, the head remaining unmoved. Diurnal, or Geocentric, parallax, the parallax of a body with reference to the earth's center. This is the kind of parallax that is generally understood when the term is used without qualification. Heliocentric parallax, the parallax of a body with reference to the sun, or the angle subtended at the body by lines drawn from it to the earth and sun; as, the heliocentric parallax of a planet. Horizontal parallax, the geocentric parallx of a heavenly body when in the horizon, or the angle subtended at the body by the earth's radius. Optical parallax, the apparent displacement in position undergone by an object when viewed by either eye singly. Parallax of the cross wires (of an optical instrument), their apparent displacement when the eye changes its position, caused by their not being exactly in the focus of the object glass. Stellar parallax, the annual parallax of a fixed star. Origin: Gr. Alternation, the mutual inclination of two lines forming an angle, fr. To change a little, go aside, deviate; beside, beyond + to change: cf. F. Parallaxe. Cf. Parallel. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Parallax

Literary usage of Parallax

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Geography of the Heavens and Class-book of Astronomy: Accompanied by a by Elijah Hinsdale Burritt, Hiram Mattison, Henry Whitall (1856)
"As the effect of parallax on a heavenly hody is to depress it below its trne place, it must necessarily affect its right ascen- sica and ..."

2. The Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and General by Thomas Spencer Baynes (1888)
"Since the parallax of the moon ia subject to incessant variation, it ia necessary to assume a certain mean value, about which the true and apparent values ..."

3. Philosophical Transactions by Royal Society (Great Britain)., Royal Society of London (1775)
"149 (parallax) Observations for investigating the effects of parallax ... 53 (parallax) On the difference of that between •y Draconis and a Lyrae J. Pond. ..."

4. An Introduction to Practical Astronomy: With a Collection of Astronomical Tables by Elias Loomis (1892)
"Since the effect of parallax is confined to a vertical plane, when the moon is on the meridian there is no parallax in right ascension, but its effect is ..."

5. The New American Practical Navigator: Being an Epitome of Navigation ...by Nathaniel Bowditch by Nathaniel Bowditch (1826)
"From the horizontal parallax of the moon, subtract its correction from Table XXXVIII. corresponding to the latitude of the place, the remainder, ..."

6. A Manual of Spherical and Practical Astronomy: Embracing the General by William Chauvenet (1900)
"JM GILLISS, in the years 1849-52, was set on foot for the purpose of determining the solar parallax by the above method. That indefatigable and accurate ..."

7. On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences by Mary Somerville (1840)
"The parallax of an object may be found, if two observers under the same meridian, but at a very great distance from one another, observe its zenith ..."

8. The Geographical Journal by Royal Geographical Society (Great Britain). (1896)
"AD, being tho perpendicular dropped from A on to BC, is a measure of the parallax. The length of AD is found on actual measurement to equal ..."

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