Meaning & Definition of word "Meridian"
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Meridian
/məˈrɪdiən/
noun:
- 1. an imaginary line on the Earth's surface that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, used to indicate longitude.
- Example: The Prime Meridian is defined as 0 degrees longitude and passes through Greenwich, England.
- 2. a point or period of highest development, greatest prosperity, or success.
- Example: The city reached its meridian during the industrial revolution when it became a major manufacturing hub.
- 3. a circle of constant longitude passing through a given place on the earth's surface.
- Example: The meridian of a location can be determined by its time zone.
Etymology
From Latin 'meridianus', meaning 'midday, southern'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
high noon:
The exact middle of the day; the moment the sun is at its peak in the sky.
meridian of life:
A point in life where one has reached maturity or full potential.
Related Words
longitude:
The geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface.
latitude:
The geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface.
zenith:
The point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer.