appulsion
|ap-pul-sion|
/əˈpʌlʃən/
pushing toward; striking/contact
Etymology
'appulsion' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'appulsio', where 'ad-' meant 'to, toward' and the stem 'puls-/pell-' meant 'to push'.
'appulsion' developed from Latin 'appulsio' (and the past-participle stem 'appulsus'), passed into Late Latin/Old French forms (e.g. Medieval Latin/Old French appulsio/appulsion), and entered English usage (alongside the related form 'appulse') in the early modern period.
Initially it meant 'a driving or pushing toward' in Latin, but over time it evolved into senses such as 'a striking or collision' and the specialized astronomical sense 'a close approach'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of driving or striking against; a pushing-on or collision; an instance of contact or impact.
The heavy appulsion of the two carts damaged the front wheels.
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Noun 2
(Astronomy) The close approach of one celestial body to another as observed from a given point; near conjunction or nearest apparent approach.
The appulsion of the moon and the planet made them appear very close in the night sky.
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Last updated: 2025/09/28 03:58