parallax Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet


Par"al*lax noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. The apparent displacement, or difference of position, of an object, as seen from two different stations, or points of view.
  2. (Astron.) 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.

Webster 1913