Postmeridian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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postmeridian
[หpoสstหmษrษชdiษn ]
Definition
time indication
The term 'postmeridian' refers to the period of time after midday, which is commonly known as the afternoon. It is often abbreviated as PM in timekeeping, indicating that the time follows twelve o'clock noon. This term is derived from Latin, where 'post' means 'after' and 'meridian' refers to 'midday'. Thus, postmeridian literally translates to 'after midday'. In daily usage, it designates hours from 12:00 PM to just before midnight.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The meeting is scheduled for 3 postmeridian.
- She usually has lunch in the postmeridian.
- Postmeridian, the sun starts to set earlier.
- We often have tea postmeridian.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- The concept relates closely to the Earth's rotation, where noon is defined at the highest point of the sun in the sky.
- Postmeridian is essential in different scientific disciplines, including astronomy, for tracking the position of celestial bodies.
- Time zones are also applied to postmeridian hours to standardize timekeeping globally.
Cultural References
- In many cultures, postmeridian hours often signify a shift in daily activities, such as traditionally starting the evening routines.
- Social gatherings, such as dinners or parties, commonly take place in the postmeridian hours, shaping social norms.
- Postmeridian (PM) is also used in phrases like 'post meridian coffee,' suggesting a culturally accepted time for caffeine enjoyment after lunch.
Historical Usage
- Many historical documents and schedules utilized the term to distinguish between morning and afternoon events, showcasing its practical utility.
- Before the widespread use of clocks, various communities observed the sun's position to mark postmeridian time.
- The transition to using 'AM' and 'PM' became more standardized with the invention of more accurate timekeeping devices in the 17th century.
Origin of 'postmeridian'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin: 'post' meaning 'after' and 'meridianus' meaning 'midday', reflecting its meaning.
- It has been used in English since the late 1600s to describe time after 12 PM.
- In everyday language, itโs often shortened to 'PM' which is widely recognized in scheduling and timekeeping.
The term 'postmeridian' has its roots in the classical Latin language, stemming from 'post', meaning 'after', and 'meridianus', derived from 'meridies', which means 'midday' or 'noon'. The use of these terms dates back to ancient times when the concept of dividing the day based on the position of the sun was first established. This division into ante meridian (AM) and post meridian (PM) helped in organizing time effectively for daily activities. The formal adoption of this terminology coincided with the development of mechanical clocks in Europe during the late Middle Ages, allowing for more precise timekeeping. By the 19th century, the abbreviated forms AM and PM became standardized in various cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries, leading to widespread use of the term 'postmeridian' in schedules, timetables, and everyday conversation.