vernal equinox

American  

[vur-nl ee-kwuh-noks, ek-wuh-noks] / ˈvɜr nl ˈi kwəˌnɒks, ˈɛk wəˌnɒks /

noun

1. equinox1

2. Also called vernal point.  the position of the sun at the time of the vernal equinox.

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vernal equinox British  

noun

1. the time at which the sun crosses the plane of the equator towards the relevant hemisphere, making day and night of equal length. It occurs about March 21 in the N hemisphere (Sept 23 in the S hemisphere)

2. 1. astronomy the point, lying in the constellation Pisces, at which the sun's ecliptic intersects the celestial equator

   2. the time at which this occurs as the sun travels south to north (March 21)

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vernal equinox Scientific  

/ vûr′nəl /

1. See under equinox

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Etymology

Origin of vernal equinox

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

For some, spring cleaning takes place around the time of the vernal equinox, which this year fell on March 20.

From New York Times

Like the vernal equinox, New Directors/New Films is a sign that winter and the soul-crushing slog known as awards season have finally ended.

From New York Times

“The vernal equinox is a momentous poem among moments, overspilling its borders like the swelling of sunlight it heralds.”

From New York Times

It is also the average for March 23, two full days after astronomical spring arrives here with Monday’s vernal equinox.

From Washington Post

The winter season ebbs in favor of budding trees, as the vernal equinox arrives March 20 at 5:24 p.m., according to the observatory.

From Washington Post