IPA: /əˈpʌls/
KK: /əˈpələs/
A close approach of two celestial objects, often referring to their alignment or interaction in space.
The appulse of the planets created a stunning sight in the night sky.
Appulse is formed from "ad-" (meaning to or toward) and "pulsare" (meaning to push or strike). The word describes the act of pushing or striking towards something, often used in a scientific context to refer to the influence of one body on another.
Think of 'pushing towards' something — 'ad-' means to or toward, and 'pulsare' means to push. This helps you remember that appulse refers to the act of pushing or striking towards something.