winter solstice
noun Astronomy.
the solstice on or about December 21st that marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
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What Does “Winter Solstice” Mean?The winter solstice lasts for just one moment. It occurs exactly when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun. This usually happens around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere or June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, during the solstice the sun will be at its southernmost point in the sky. The higher …
What Does “Solstice” Mean?The summer solstice marks the longest day of the calendar year and the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. But what does the word solstice mean, and what does it have to do with Shakespeare? The term solstice is derived from the Latin scientific term solstitium. Containing the Latin sol– meaning “the sun” and sistere meaning “to make stand.” Today the term solstice is used to describe the …
Nearby words
- winter park,
- winter purslane,
- winter quarters,
- winter rose,
- winter savory,
- winter sports,
- winter springs,
- winter squash,
- winter war,
- winter wheat
Origin of winter solstice
First recorded in 1625–35
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
winter solstice
noun
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)
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°
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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winter solstice
[ wĭn′tər ]
See under solstice.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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