equinoctial Definition
- 1relating to an equinox, either of the two times in the year, the spring equinox and the autumn equinox, when day and night are of equal length
- 2occurring at or near the time of an equinox
- 3of or relating to the celestial equator
Using equinoctial: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "equinoctial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The equinoctial gales are a feature of the British autumn.
Example
The equinoctial point is the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator.
Example
The equinoctial sun crosses the celestial equator twice a year.
Example
The equinoctial line is an imaginary line around the Earth that is equidistant from the poles.
equinoctial Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for equinoctial
Phrases with equinoctial
either of two great circles of the celestial sphere intersecting each other at the poles of the equator and the equinoxes
Example
The equinoctial colure is one of the primary meridians of the celestial sphere.
the full moon that occurs nearest to the time of the autumnal equinox
Example
The equinoctial moon is also known as the harvest moon.
the time taken for the sun to return to the same position with respect to the equinoxes, approximately 365.24 days
Example
The equinoctial year is slightly longer than the tropical year.
Origins of equinoctial
from Latin 'aequinoctialis', from 'aequinoctium' meaning 'equal night'
Summary: equinoctial in Brief
The term 'equinoctial' [ˌiːkwɪˈnɒkʃəl] refers to things related to the equinox, which is the time when day and night are of equal length. It can refer to weather patterns, celestial events, or geography. Examples include 'The equinoctial gales are a feature of the British autumn,' and 'The equinoctial point is the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator.'
