An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The mathematical problem of solving the equations of motions of any number of bodies which interact gravitationally. More specifically, to find their positions and velocities at any point in the future or the past, given their present positions, masses, and velocities.

See also: Many, from M.E. mani, meni, O.E. monig, manig; → body; → problem.