Equinox (Noun)
Meaning 1
(astronomy) either of the two celestial points at which the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
- During an equinox, the tilt of the Earth's axis is perpendicular to the Sun's rays, resulting in equal amounts of daylight and darkness.
- The ancient Mayans built their pyramids to align with the rising sun on the spring equinox.
- The position of the equinoxes changes over time due to the procession of the equinoxes, a gradual shift caused by the Earth's wobbling axis.
- The autumnal equinox is often celebrated as a time of harvest and thanksgiving in many cultures around the world.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
Either of two times of the year when the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator and day and night are of equal length.
Classification
Nouns denoting time and temporal relations.