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

The odds also tend to increase around equinoxes — the vernal equinox occurred last week — due to a more favorable tilt in the Earth’s axis, Murtagh said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2024

In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox will officially take place this Tuesday, March 19, at 11:06 p.m.

From New York Times • Mar. 16, 2024

Pretty much aligned with the vernal equinox, give or take a few days, St. Patrick’s Day lands just right on the calendar for a celebration.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2024

More specifically, March 19, the spring, or vernal, equinox — also known as the first day of spring.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

At the time they were first named the vernal equinox began with Taurus.

From A Primer of Assyriology by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)