1. relating to or characterized by libration; involving oscillatory motion or apparent wobbling
Usage: astronomy; physics

Examples

• The moon’s librational motion allows us to see slightly more than half its surface over time.
• Scientists studied the librational movements of the satellite as it orbited the planet.
• The librational effects cause the moon to appear to rock back and forth slightly.
• Astronomers use librational data to better understand celestial mechanics.
• The spacecraft’s librational behavior was carefully monitored during its approach.
• Librational oscillations can affect the stability of rotating bodies in space.