solstitial
Americanadjective
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of or relating to a solstice or the solstices.
a solstitial point.
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occurring at or about the time of a solstice.
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characteristic of the summer solstice.
Usage
What does solstitial mean? Solstitial is an adjective that’s used to describe things related to the solstice or things that occur around the time of the solstice. A solstice is one of the two times of the year when the positioning and tilt of Earth relative to the sun results in the most amount of daylight time or the least amount of daylight time in a single day. There are two solstices during the year: one that occurs around June 20–22 (usually June 20 or 21) and one that occurs around December 20–23 (usually December 21 or 22). These solstitial points are traditionally considered to mark the start of summer and winter. But which season begins with each solstice depends on which hemisphere you’re in. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs in June and the winter solstice occurs in December. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite. The summer solstice results in the longest day of the year, meaning it has the most time of daylight, and the winter solstice results in the shortest day of the year, meaning it has the longest period of darkness. In contrast, an equinox is one of the two times of the year when the amount of daylight and nighttime hours are just about of equal length. The two equinoxes occur around March 20–21 and September 22–23. In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox (or spring equinox) occurs in March and the autumnal equinox occurs in September. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite. Solstitial is sometimes used in a more specific way to describe something that’s characteristic of the summer solstice, especially summer heat, as in The lush vegetation thrives in the solstitial conditions. Example: Many ancient cultures recognized and observed the solstitial points of the year as times that marked the change of the seasons.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of solstitial
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The solstitial alignment helps to calibrate the calendar and any errors would be easily detectable as the sun would be in the wrong place during the biannual event.
From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2022
For the astronomers Ptolemy Euergetes placed in the Square Porch an equinoctial and a solstitial armil, the graduated limbs of these instruments being divided into degrees and sixths.
From History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume I (of 2) Revised Edition by John William Draper
For the ancient Opi-Mou, Father of Waters, sadly needs to replenish his dry urn from the solstitial rains of the Mountains of the Moon.
From One of Cleopatra's Nights and Other Fantastic Romances One of Cleopatra's Nights?Clarimonde?Arria Marcella?The Mummy's Foot?Omphale: a Rococo Story?King Candaules by Th?ophile Gautier
This statement is of extreme importance as it proves an orientation of the north by the pole-star and not by the solstitial position of the sun.
From The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilizations by Zelia Nuttall
They were devoted to the science of the stars, and determined the equinoctial and solstitial points, divided the ecliptic into twelve parts and the day into hours.
From Handbook of Universal Literature From the Best and Latest Authorities by Anne C. Lynch Botta
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