What does "gravity assist" mean?

The favorable alteration of the speed and trajectory of a spacecraft as a result of its passing near to a celestial body.

What is a synonym for "gravity assist"?

Common synonyms include: slingshots.

Pronounced //ˈɡɹævɪti əˈsɪst//.

/ˈɡɹævɪti əˈsɪst/ noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
The favorable alteration of the speed and trajectory of a spacecraft as a result of its passing near to a celestial body.
"After going into orbit around Jupiter with a gravity assist from the volcanic moon Io, Galileo will spend 22 months studying the planet."

"After going into orbit around Jupiter with a gravity assist from the volcanic moon Io, Galileo will spend 22 months studying the planet."