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

In our Solar System, the planets fall into two broad groups.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

The Invesco Solar ETF is up 78% over 12 months and 24% year to date, with a potential 15% upside to $70 by mid-2026.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Solar stocks have a patchy record with investors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Solar went from generating around 3% of Pakistan’s electricity in 2020 to 32% today, according to government data.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

But such a model becomes increasingly complicated as we try to describe the behaviour of things further and further away from Earth, across the Solar System.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

Related Words

• cosmic