equinoctial

1 of 2

adjective

equi·​noc·​tial ˌē-kwə-ˈnäk-shəl How to pronounce equinoctial (audio)
ˌe-
1
: relating to an equinox or to a state or the time of equal day and night
2
: relating to the regions or climate on or near the equator
3
: relating to the time when the sun passes an equinoctial point

equinoctial

2 of 2

noun

1
2
: an equinoctial storm

Examples of equinoctial 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.
Adjective
The inner bark of that red willow is the main ingredient used to make tobacco for the equinoctial Sacred Pipe ceremony, which is meant to rekindle the sacred fire of life on Earth. National Geographic, 20 Mar. 2018 Post-equinoctial 90s qualify as unusual in Philly Anthony R. Wood, Philly.com, 26 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1521, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of equinoctial was in 1521

Dictionary Entries Near equinoctial

Cite this Entry

“Equinoctial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equinoctial. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

equinoctial

adjective
equi·​noc·​tial
ˌē-kwə-ˈnäk-shəl,
ˌek-wə-
1
: of, relating to, or occurring at or near an equinox
2
: of or relating to the regions or climate near the equator : equatorial

More from Merriam-Webster on equinoctial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!