tropic Definition
either of the two parallel circles on the earth's surface, one to the north of the equator and one to the south, marking the points where the sun is directly overhead at the summer solstice.
Using tropic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tropic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5 degrees north of the equator.
Example
The Tropic of Capricorn is located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator.
tropic Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with tropic
the circle of latitude that is approximately 23.5 degrees north of the equator and marks the northernmost point where the sun appears directly overhead at the June solstice
Example
The Tropic of Cancer passes through Mexico, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, and China.
the circle of latitude that is approximately 23.5 degrees south of the equator and marks the southernmost point where the sun appears directly overhead at the December solstice
Example
The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and New Caledonia.
the region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, characterized by hot climate and high humidity
Example
The Amazon rainforest is located in the Torrid Zone.
Origins of tropic
from Latin 'tropicus', from Greek 'tropikos', meaning 'of or turning toward the solstice'
Summary: tropic in Brief
The term 'tropic' [ˈtrɒpɪk] refers to either of the two parallel circles on the earth's surface, one to the north of the equator and one to the south, marking the points where the sun is directly overhead at the summer solstice. These circles are known as the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, respectively, and are located at approximately 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator. The region between these two circles is called the Torrid Zone, which is characterized by hot climate and high humidity.
