vertical circle

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith.

vertical circle

noun

1. astronomy a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith and perpendicular to the horizon

vertical circle

1. A great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the zenith and the nadir and thus is perpendicular to the horizon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vertical circle¹

First recorded in 1550–60

Example Sentences

The Azimuth of a star is the angle between the meridian and the vertical circle passing through the star.

From Project Gutenberg

In this event the cloud will exhibit no iridescence, but, instead of it, a vertical circle through the sun will present itself.

From Project Gutenberg

If the wire, with its lines of force, be bent into the form of a vertical circle 1⅛ in.

From Project Gutenberg

A Vertical Circle is any great circle that passes through the zenith.

From Project Gutenberg

The altitude of a celestial object is its distance above the horizon measured on the arc of a vertical circle.

From Project Gutenberg