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- Solstice - meaning & definition
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/ˈsɒl.stɪs/
Meaning & Definition
noun
Either of the two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, occurring around June 21 (summer solstice) and December 21 (winter solstice).
The summer solstice is celebrated by many cultures around the world.
A point in the year when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest and shortest days.
The ancient people built monuments to mark the winter solstice.
The event of the sun being at one of these positions.
During the solstice, we gather for a festival to honor the changing seasons.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'solstitium', from 'sol' meaning 'sun' and 'sistere' meaning 'to stand still'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
summer solstice
The longest day of the year, marking the start of summer.
winter solstice
The shortest day of the year, marking the start of winter.
solstice celebration
Festivities marking the occurrence of a solstice.
Related Words
equinox
The time or date (twice each year) at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are of approximately equal length.
tropics
Regions of the Earth between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the sun is overhead at noon at least once a year.