winter solstice

noun Astronomy.

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

Nearby words

winter park, winter purslane, winter quarters, winter rose, winter savory, winter solstice, 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

British Dictionary definitions for winter solstice

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for winter solstice

winter solstice

[ wĭn′tər ]

See under solstice.