winter solstice

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the solstice on or about December 21st that marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

winter solstice

noun

1. the time at which the sun is at its southernmost point in the sky (northernmost point in the S hemisphere) appearing at noon at its lowest altitude above the horizon. It occurs about December 22 (June 21 in the S hemisphere)
2. astronomy the point on the celestial sphere, opposite the summer solstice , at which the ecliptic is furthest south from the celestial equator. Right ascension: 18 hours; declination: –23.5°

winter solstice

/ wĭn′tər /

1. See under solstice

Word History and Origins

Origin of winter solstice¹

First recorded in 1625–35