Tropic of Cancer

noun phrase

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

Word History

Etymology

from the sign of the zodiac which its celestial projection intersects

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Tropic of Cancer was in 1623

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tropic of Cancer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tropic%20of%20Cancer. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

Tropic of Cancer

: the parallel of latitude that is 23½ degrees north of the equator and is the northernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

paroxysm

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Tropic of Cancer

noun phrase

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near Tropic of Cancer

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition