closest point of approach

noun

An estimated point in which the distance between two objects, of which at least one is in motion, will reach its minimum value; abbreviated CPA. The estimate is used to evaluate the risk of a collision of e.g. two ships.

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Meanings

nounclosest point of approach (plural closest points of approach)

plural closest points of approach

  1. navigationnauticalAn estimated point in which the distance between two objects, of which at least one is in motion, will reach its minimum value; abbreviated CPA. The estimate is used to evaluate the risk of a collision of e.g. two ships.
Cite this entry
APA

closest point of approach. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/closest%20point%20of%20approach

MLA

“closest point of approach.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/closest%20point%20of%20approach. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “closest point of approach,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/closest%20point%20of%20approach.

Source: closest point of approach on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.