Equatorial: meaning, definitions and examples

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equatorial

 

[ ɪˌkwəˈtɔːrɪəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

climate

relating to or near the equator, especially the region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

Synonyms

equator, equatorial belt, tropical.

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Word Description / Examples
equatorial

This term is typically used to describe something related to the equator, often emphasizing its location or the characteristic conditions such as climate.

  • The equatorial climate is characterized by high temperatures and humidity.
  • Equatorial regions are known for their lush rainforests.
tropical

This term is used to describe regions that are warm year-round and are near the equator, but it can also apply more broadly to places with a warm climate, often characterized by lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems.

  • Hawaii is famous for its beautiful tropical beaches.
  • The tropical rainforest is home to a vast array of wildlife.
equatorial belt

This phrase is used to describe the region around the Earth's equator. It can refer to both the imaginary geographic lines and the climatic region that exhibits equatorial characteristics.

  • The equatorial belt experiences frequent rainfall and constant high temperatures.
  • Many unique species of animals can be found in the dense forests of the equatorial belt.
equator

This term is specifically used to refer to the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is often mentioned in geographical and scientific contexts.

  • The equator runs through many countries, including Brazil, Kenya, and Indonesia.
  • Temperatures near the equator tend to be warm year-round.

Examples of usage

  • The equatorial regions receive more sunlight throughout the year.
  • The equatorial climate is characterized by high temperatures and humidity.
Context #2 | Noun

geography

an imaginary line drawn around the earth equally distant from both poles, dividing the earth into northern and southern hemispheres and constituting the parallel of latitude 0°.

Synonyms

celestial equator, equatorial circle, equinoctial line.

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Word Description / Examples
equatorial

Typically used to describe something related to or near the equator, such as climates, regions, or specific weather patterns.

  • The equatorial region is known for its hot and humid climate.
  • Equatorial rainforests are home to diverse species of plants and animals.
equinoctial line

Used in both geography and astronomy, often to describe the imaginary line where the sun is directly above the equator during an equinox, resulting in equal day and night lengths.

  • The equinoctial line is an important concept in understanding seasonal changes.
  • During an equinox, day and night are of equal length along the equinoctial line.
celestial equator

Used in astronomy to describe the imaginary line in the sky directly above Earth's equator, which divides the celestial sphere into northern and southern hemispheres.

  • During an equinox, the Sun crosses the celestial equator.
  • Astronomers use the celestial equator for mapping the positions of stars.
equatorial circle

Often used in geographic and scientific contexts to describe the imaginary circle around Earth at the equator, dividing the planet into northern and southern hemispheres.

  • Sailors used to navigate using the equatorial circle as a reference.
  • The equatorial circle is significant in understanding Earth's rotation.

Examples of usage

  • The equator passes through several countries in Africa and South America.
  • The equator is the starting point for measuring latitude.

Translations

Translations of the word "equatorial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equatorial

🇮🇳 भूमध्य रेखीय

🇩🇪 äquatorial

🇮🇩 khatulistiwa

🇺🇦 екваторіальний

🇵🇱 równikowy

🇯🇵 赤道の

🇫🇷 équatorial

🇪🇸 ecuatorial

🇹🇷 ekvatoral

🇰🇷 적도의

🇸🇦 استوائي

🇨🇿 rovníkový

🇸🇰 rovníkový

🇨🇳 赤道的

🇸🇮 ekvatorialni

🇮🇸 miðbaugs

🇰🇿 экваторлық

🇬🇪 ეკვატორული

🇦🇿 ekvatorial

🇲🇽 ecuatorial

Etymology

The word 'equatorial' originated from the Latin word 'aequatorialis' which means 'pertaining to an equator'. The concept of the equator as an imaginary line dividing the earth into two hemispheres dates back to ancient civilizations. The equatorial regions are known for their unique climate and biodiversity, making them significant areas of study for scientists and researchers.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,225, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.