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meridian
meridian definition
me·rid·ian (mə rid′ē ən)
adjective
- of or at noon
- of or passing through the highest point in the daily course of any celestial body
- of or at the highest point of prosperity, splendor, power, etc.
- of or along a meridian
- Rare southern
Etymology: OFr meridien < L meridianus, of noon, southern < meridies, noon, the south < older medidies < medius, mid + dies, day: see deity
noun
- Archaic the highest apparent point reached by a celestial body in its course
- the highest point of power, prosperity, splendor, etc.; zenith; apex
- the middle period of one's life, regarded as the highest point of health, vigor, etc.; prime
- Obsolete noon
- Astron. a great circle passing through the celestial poles, the observer's zenith and nadir, and the horizon's north and south pointsalso called celestial meridian
- Geog.
- a great circle of the earth passing through the geographical poles and any given point on the earth's surface
- either half of such a circle between the poles
- any of the lines of longitude running north and south on a globe or map, representing such a half circle
- Archaic distinctive character as of a particular place
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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