ScienceSeptember 2, 2026

despins

dee-SPINZ

Definition

To cause a rotating body to slow down its rate of rotation.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'de-' (meaning to remove or reverse) added to the verb 'spin'. The term is common in physics and orbital mechanics to describe the reduction of angular momentum.

In the news

In the article, the author explains how a moon orbiting close to Venus exerts a force that despins the planet, slowing its rotation and ultimately leading to the moon's destruction.

Venus May Once Have Suffered A "Moon-Forming" Impact, But The Resulting Satellite Wouldn't Have Stuck Around For Long

Read the full article ↗

IFLScience

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