solar

¹ American  

[soh-ler] / ˈsoʊ lər /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sun.

   solar phenomena.

2. determined by the sun.

   solar hour.

3. proceeding from the sun, as light or heat.

4. utilizing, operated by, or depending on solar energy.

   a solar building;

   a solar stove.

5. indicating time by means of or with reference to the sun.

   a solar chronometer.

6. manufacturing or providing solar power.

   the solar industry.

7. Astrology. subject to the influence of the sun.

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noun

1. Informal. solar energy.

solar ² American  

[sol-er, soh-ler] / ˈsɒl ər, ˈsoʊ lər /

Also soller

noun

1. a private or upper chamber in a medieval English house.

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solar British  

/ ˈsəʊlə /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sun

   solar eclipse

2. operating by or utilizing the energy of the sun

   solar cell

3. astronomy determined from the motion of the earth relative to the sun

   solar year

4. astrology subject to the influence of the sun

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solar Scientific  

/ sō′lər /

1. Relating to the Sun.

2. Using or operated by energy from the Sun.

3. Measured in reference to the Sun.

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Etymology

Origin of solar¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin sōlāris, equivalent to sōl + -āris adjective suffix; see origin at sun, -ar ¹

Origin of solar²

First recorded before 900; Middle English solar, soler, from Old English solor, soler, and Anglo-French soler, Old French solier, from Latin sōlārium solarium

Explanation

Does it come from the sun? Is it related to the sunshine? Does it depend on sunny rays of light to function? Then it's probably safe to call it solar. The ancient Egyptians worshiped the sun god Ra, shaping their lives around the sun's golden rays and even following a solar calendar. Today sun worship is experiencing a renaissance, as more and more people become interested in harnessing the big star's power for "solar energy." Whatever way you decide to partake in solar enjoyment, just remember to wear sunblock.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

solar

He tried to remove Aššur-dān III from power following a solar eclipse that would have carried major political and religious significance in the ancient world.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 26, 2026

Senate seats in South Carolina become open with the approximate frequency of a total solar eclipse.

From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2026

The future of China's workers is uncertain in the industrial revolution the world has been watching: gleaming solar grids, peak hours made noiseless by electric vehicles, machines that run faster than Usain Bolt.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

Once considered a portent of end times, a solar eclipse is an undeniably eccentric way to orient a vacation calendar.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026

Then an idea for my report came to me: I would explore the solar system.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

Related Words

• cosmic