Tropic of Capricorn

noun phrase

: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 23¹/₂ degrees south of the equator and that is the southernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

Examples of Tropic of Capricorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Be sure to stop at the Tropic of Capricorn for a quick photo and avoid driving after dark, as there may be wild animals on the roadway. —

Mazuba Kapambwe, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2024 Moffatt had found lampreys at several new sites, well into the tropical zone above the Tropic of Capricorn. —

Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2024 The winter solstice marks the day when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, a line that is located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through countries like Chile and Australia, and is furthest away from the sun. —

TIME, 21 Dec. 2023 At that time, the sun passes directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through Australia, Chile, southern Brazil and northern South Africa. —

Kolbe Nelson, CBS News, 20 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

from the sign of the zodiac which its celestial projection intersects

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Tropic of Capricorn was in 1625

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tropic of Capricorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tropic%20of%20Capricorn. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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