parallax

What is another word for parallax? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — The apparent change in the position of an object when it is viewed from two different places.

We haven't recorded synonyms for parallax yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use parallax

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

parallax error stellar parallax parallax angle parallax effect

Outside astronomy and photography, the word is mostly used in fairly technical or precise contexts.

Etymology

Parallax came into English through Middle French parallaxe. It traces back to the Ancient Greek word for alteration, itself built from a verb meaning to cause something to alternate, which in turn comes from a root meaning other.

Full origin of parallax →

Frequently asked questions

What does parallax mean in simple terms?

It's the way an object seems to move against its background when you look at it from a different position, even though the object itself hasn't moved.

How do astronomers use parallax to measure distance?

They observe a star from two points, usually opposite sides of the Earth's orbit, and measure the tiny angle the star appears to shift by. That angle lets them calculate how far away the star is.

Is parallax the same as depth perception?

They're related. Depth perception in humans relies partly on parallax, since each eye sees a slightly different view of the same object.

Nearby words

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