How Do You Spell EQUINOCTIAL?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛkwɪnˌɒkʃə͡l] (IPA)

The word "equinoctial" is often misspelled due to its unique pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is ˌɛkwɪˈnɒktiəl. The stress falls on the third syllable, and the "c" is pronounced as a "k." The word derives from the Latin word "aequinoctium," which means "equal night." It is used to describe two points on the celestial sphere where the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal hours of daylight and darkness. Remembering the correct spelling of "equinoctial" is crucial for accurate communication about astronomy and related fields.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling word
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EQUINOCTIAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Equinoctial is an adjective that pertains to the equinox or the equator, or it can also refer to a navigational instrument used to determine the altitude or azimuth of a celestial body. In terms of the equinox, which is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, equinoctial describes anything associated with this event or occurring around the time of the equinox.

    When used in the context of the equator, equinoctial refers to the line or region encircling the Earth that lies equidistant from the North and South poles, dividing the planet into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It denotes characteristics or phenomena related to this geographical region, such as the equinoctial Sun, which is directly overhead at noon on the equator during the equinox.

    Additionally, equinoctial can be used as a noun to describe a navigational instrument known as the equinoctial ring or dial. This instrument features a graduated ring or scale, enabling sailors to determine the altitude and azimuth of celestial objects, particularly the sun, to navigate accurately. Through measuring the position of a celestial body with an equinoctial, sailors can ascertain their direction and establish their ship's position on the open seas.

    In summary, equinoctial can refer to the equinox, the equator, or a navigational instrument used in celestial navigation, depending on the context in which it is used.

  2. • Making an equal length of day and night; occurring at the time of the equinoxes, as the equinoctial gales.
    • The great circle of the celestial concave which divides the heavens into the northern and southern hemispheres, and which derives its name from the phenomenon that at all places on the earth's surface beneath this circle, the nights are equal all the year round, being of the constant length of 12 hours, the sun setting at 6 P.M., and rising at 6 A.M.; the circle in the heavens which the sun appears to describe when the days and nights are of equal length.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for EQUINOCTIAL

Etymology of EQUINOCTIAL

The word "equinoctial" comes from the Latin word "aequinoctialis", which is a combination of "aequinoctium" meaning "equinox" and the suffix "-alis" meaning "pertaining to". In Latin, "aequinoctium" is a combination of "aequus" meaning "equal" and "nox" which means "night". Therefore, "equinoctial" literally means "pertaining to the equinox" or "equal night", referring to the time of year when day and night are roughly of equal length.

Similar spelling word for EQUINOCTIAL

Plural form of EQUINOCTIAL is EQUINOCTIALS

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Correct spelling for equinoctial
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