meridian

[məˈrɪdiən]

meridian Definition

• 1. a circle of constant longitude passing through a given place on the earth's surface and the terrestrial poles
• 2. the highest point reached by the sun in its apparent motion across the sky
• 3. a period of greatest prosperity or productivity

Using meridian: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "meridian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The meridian of Greenwich is used as the prime meridian.

• Example

  The sun was at its meridian, casting no shadows.

• Example

  The company reached its meridian in the 1990s.

meridian Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for meridian

• longitude
• zenith
• peak
• height
• prime meridian

Antonyms for meridian

• bottom
• nadir

Idioms Using meridian

• past one's meridian

  past the point of one's greatest success or productivity

  Example

  He was once a great writer, but now he is past his meridian.

• meridian of life

  the period of life when a person is considered to be at their best or most successful

  Example

  In many cultures, the meridian of life is considered to be around the age of 40.

• meridian hour

  noon, the time when the sun is at its highest point in the sky

  Example

  We will meet at the park at meridian hour.

Phrases with meridian

• passing the meridian

  reaching the highest point of success or achievement

  Example

  After years of hard work, he finally passed the meridian of his career.

• meridian line

  a line on a map connecting places with the same longitude

  Example

  The meridian line of 180 degrees is opposite to the prime meridian.

• meridian altitude

  the altitude of the sun when it is at its highest point in the sky

  Example

  The meridian altitude of the sun can be used to determine the latitude of a place.

Origins of meridian

from Latin 'meridianus', meaning 'of noon, southern'

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Summary: meridian in Brief

The term 'meridian' [məˈrɪdiən] refers to a circle of constant longitude on the earth's surface, the highest point reached by the sun in the sky, or a period of greatest prosperity or productivity. It is exemplified by phrases like 'passing the meridian,' denoting reaching the highest point of success, and idioms like 'past one's meridian,' implying being past the point of greatest productivity.