vertical circle

American  

noun

Astronomy.

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

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vertical circle British  

noun

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

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vertical circle Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of vertical circle

First recorded in 1550–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vertical circle

The flagman swings his lamp, or his flag or hand, in a vertical circle at half-arm's length across the track.

From Time Magazine Archive

In this event the cloud will exhibit no iridescence, but, instead of it, a vertical circle through the sun will present itself.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 613, October 1, 1887 by Various

The prime vertical circle passes through the east and west points of the horizon.

From Recreations in Astronomy With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work by Warren, Henry White

Reflection from an excess of horizontal prisms gives rise to a vertical circle passing through the sun.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 8 "Haller, Albrecht" to "Harmonium" by Various

The elevation of a point, or star, or other celestial object, above the horizon, measured by the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between such point and the horizon.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah