An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A trajectory that takes a → space probe close to a Solar System body (planet, satellite, asteroid, comet) but does not permit it to enter an orbit about the body.

Etymology (EN): → fly + by, from M.E., from O.E. be or bi, from P.Gmc. *bi “around, about” (cf. Du. bij, Ger. bei “by, at, near”), from *umbi, (cf. L. ambi “around, about,” Gk. amphi “around, about,” Skt. abhi “on both sides,”
Av. aibi, aiwi, O.Pers. aiby “to, against, in addition to,” Mid.Pers. aw-, ab-, Mod.Pers. af- (as in afzudan “to increase, add,” afruxtan “to inflame, kindle, blaze,” afqân “lamentation, groaning, cires for help”).

Etymology (PE): Barvâz, from bar- “on, up; upon, over,” → on-,

• vâz, as in parvâz, → flight.