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solstice
Solstice (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does solstice mean?
An astronomical event that occurs twice a year, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.
"The winter solstice occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere."
Detailed Meaning of Solstice
It happens when the tilt of the Earth's axis is either most inclined towards or away from the sun. The summer solstice occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere, while the winter solstice occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. During the summer solstice, the day is the longest and the night is the shortest, while during the winter solstice, the day is the shortest and the night is the longest. The solstice has been celebrated by many cultures throughout history, and it holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning for various communities around the world.
Example Sentences for Solstice
1. The solstice marks the longest and shortest days of the year.
2. During the summer solstice, the day is the longest.
3. The solstice happens when the Earth's axis is tilted towards or away from the sun.
4. The solstice has been celebrated by many cultures throughout history.
5. The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year.
6. In the Southern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs around December 21st.
Origin and Etymology of Solstice
The noun 'solstice' finds its etymological roots in Latin. It comes from the combination of two Latin words: 'sol,' meaning 'sun,' and 'sistere,' which means 'to stand still' or 'to stop.' The term 'solstice' was coined because, during these astronomical events, it appears as if the sun momentarily halts in its seasonal movement across the sky. Specifically, there are two solstices each year: the summer solstice, marking the longest day and shortest night, and the winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night. These events have been of great significance in various cultures throughout history, often associated with rituals and celebrations, making 'solstice' a word rooted in the observation of celestial phenomena and the changing of seasons.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the noun solstice:
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More Usage Examples of Solstice
1. The solstice holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning for various communities.
2. During the summer solstice, the night is the shortest.
3. The solstice occurs twice a year.
4. The winter solstice occurs around June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere.
5. The solstice has a significant impact on the Earth's seasons and climate.
6. The summer solstice, in June, heralds the year's longest day and shortest night.
7. Winter solstice, in December, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
8. Many cultures celebrate the solstices with unique traditions and ceremonies.
9. Ancient civilizations built intricate structures to track the solstices' movements.
10. The solstice is a pivotal event in the astronomical calendar.
11. During the solstice, the sun reaches its zenith or nadir in the sky.
12. Druids conducted elaborate rituals during the solstices at Stonehenge.
13. The solstices have played a crucial role in shaping various calendars.
14. As the solstices occur, the length of daylight hours undergoes significant change.
15. Summer solstice is associated with warmth, growth, and abundance.
16. Winter solstice symbolizes the return of longer days and the triumph of light.
17. The solstices have inspired art, literature, and cultural traditions worldwide.
18. Farmers rely on solstice timing for planting and harvesting crops.
19. Stonehenge draws crowds as people gather to celebrate the summer solstice.
20. The solstices are essential reference points for agricultural planning.
21. Ancient civilizations held grand solstice festivals complete with bonfires.
22. Solstices are astronomical alignments influenced by Earth's axial tilt.
23. Winter solstice often features vibrant solstice celebrations in various cultures.
24. Solstices serve as critical markers in the Earth's annual orbit around the sun.
25. The solstices symbolize the extremes of daylight and darkness experienced throughout the year.
Synonyms and Related Words for Solstice
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT