vertical circle

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noun Astronomy.

a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

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Origin of vertical circle

First recorded in 1550–60

Words nearby vertical circle

vertebratus, vertex, vertical, vertical angle, vertical angles, vertical circle, vertical combination, vertical divestiture, vertical envelopment, vertical farm, vertical file

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vertical circle in a sentence

The Azimuth of a star is the angle between the meridian and the vertical circle passing through the star.
A Text-Book of Astronomy|George C. Comstock
In this event the cloud will exhibit no iridescence, but, instead of it, a vertical circle through the sun will present itself.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 613, October 1, 1887|Various
If the wire, with its lines of force, be bent into the form of a vertical circle 1⅛ in.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 643, April 28, 1888|Various
A Vertical Circle is any great circle that passes through the zenith.
A Text-Book of Astronomy|George C. Comstock

The altitude of a celestial object is its distance above the horizon measured on the arc of a vertical circle.
Scientific American Supplement No. 360, November 25, 1882|Various

British Dictionary definitions for vertical circle

vertical circle

noun

astronomy a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith and perpendicular to the horizon

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for vertical circle

vertical circle

A great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the zenith and the nadir and thus is perpendicular to the horizon.