Equinoxial: meaning, definitions and examples
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equinoxial
[ ˌiːkwɪˈnɒksɪəl ]
astronomy terminology
Equinoxial pertains to the equinoxes, which are the two times of the year when day and night are of approximately equal duration. This term describes phenomena, events, or positions related to the equinoxes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The equinoxial balance of day and night is a remarkable phenomenon.
- During the equinoxial change, many cultures celebrate the arrival of spring.
- Astronomers study equinoxial events to understand celestial patterns.
Word origin
The term 'equinoxial' is derived from the Latin word 'aequinoctialis', which comes from 'aequus' meaning 'equal' and 'nox' meaning 'night'. The word has evolved through Middle English from 'equinoctial' to 'equinoxial', retaining its original association with the equal length of day and night during the equinoxes. The usage of this term can be traced back to early astronomical observations, where the equinoxes played a crucial role in understanding the passage of seasons and the position of the sun relative to the earth. Historically, various cultures developed calendars based on equinoxial events, recognizing their significance in agriculture and festivals. Thus, 'equinoxial' encapsulates a rich historical connection to human understanding of time and celestial events.