Nutate
/ˈnjuːteɪt/noun
To oscillate or wobble around a central position or axis.
Did you know?In astronomy, nutation describes a periodic wobble in Earth’s axis caused mainly by the Moon’s gravitational pull, layered on top of the much slower precession of the equinoxes.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*neu-
“To nod or make a signaling movement with the head”
Ancient Latin
Latin
nuere
“To nod; to give a sign by nodding”
Classical Latin
Latin
nutare
“To nod repeatedly, sway, or rock back and forth”
17th Century
New Latin
nutare
“To oscillate or wobble, especially in scientific description”
18th Century
English
nutate
“To undergo nutation; to wobble around an axis”
Modern English
English
nutate
“To oscillate or make a small periodic rocking movement”