Meridian: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
meridian
[ mษหrษชd.i.ษn ]
geography
A meridian is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, indicating longitude. These lines are used in geography to help determine the location of places on Earth. The prime meridian, located at 0 degrees longitude, is the starting point for measuring distance east and west around the globe.
Synonyms
great circle, longitude line.
Examples of usage
- The prime meridian passes through Greenwich, London.
- Meridians are essential for navigation and mapping.
- Each meridian represents a specific degree of longitude.
time
In terms of time, a meridian refers to the average solar time at a particular longitude. It is commonly associated with the concept of meridian time, which is important for scheduling and timekeeping. Different time zones are based on the position of the Earth's meridians.
Synonyms
solar noon, time zone.
Examples of usage
- Local time is often based on the nearest meridian.
- Meridian time changes with geographic location.
- Daylight saving adjustments can affect meridian-related timekeeping.
Translations
Translations of the word "meridian" in other languages:
๐ต๐น meridiano
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคฐเคฟเคกเคฟเคฏเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Meridian
๐ฎ๐ฉ meridian
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตัะธะดัะฐะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ meridian
๐ฏ๐ต ๅญๅ็ท
๐ซ๐ท mรฉridien
๐ช๐ธ meridiano
๐น๐ท meridyen
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ณธ์ด์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฎุท ุงูุทูู
๐จ๐ฟ polednรญk
๐ธ๐ฐ poludnรญk
๐จ๐ณ ็ป็บฟ
๐ธ๐ฎ meridian
๐ฎ๐ธ meridian
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตัะธะดะธะฐะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ meridian
๐ฒ๐ฝ meridiano
Etymology
The word 'meridian' originates from the Middle English 'meridian', which derives from the Old French 'mรฉridien' and further from the Latin 'meridianus', meaning 'midday' or 'noon'. This Latin word comes from 'meridies', meaning 'midday', which itself is a combination of 'medius' (middle) and 'dies' (day). In historical contexts, meridians were significant for understanding the passage of time, as noon was associated with the position of the sun directly overhead at the highest point in the sky. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both geographic lines that denote longitude as well as the concepts of time associated with these lines. The use of the term in scientific and navigation disciplines became prominent during the Age of Exploration when accurate mapping and timekeeping were essential for sea voyages across the globe.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #9,913 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
- ...
- 9910 dissatisfied
- 9911 enumeration
- 9912 buffalo
- 9913 meridian
- 9914 tungsten
- 9915 effectual
- 9916 axe
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