celestial equator

noun

: the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles

Examples of celestial equator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At this time, the sun moves above the equator, where the two elliptic points and the celestial equator connect. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 23 Sep. 2024 The spring equinox marks the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, heading northward. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024 This month's full moon coincides with the summer solstice, which happens as the sun hits the northernmost point from the celestial equator, making the start of summer. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2024 That's when the sun hits the northernmost point from the celestial equator and marks the official beginning of summer with the longest day of the year. John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 6 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for celestial equator 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'celestial equator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celestial equator was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near celestial equator

Cite this Entry

“Celestial equator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20equator. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

celestial equator

noun
: the great circle on the celestial sphere midway between the celestial poles

More from Merriam-Webster on celestial equator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!