equator

noun equa·tor \i-ˈkwā-tər, ˈē-ˌ\

Definition of EQUATOR

: the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is perpendicular to the axis of the earth

: a great circle of the earth or a celestial body that is everywhere equally distant from the two poles and divides the surface into the northern and southern hemispheres

a : a circle or circular band dividing the surface of a body into two usually equal and symmetrical parts

b : equatorial plane <the equator of a dividing cell>

: great circle

See equator defined for English-language learners

See equator defined for kids

Origin of EQUATOR

Middle English, from Medieval Latin aequator, literally, equalizer, from Latin aequare

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, benchmark, plat, projection, topography

Rhymes with EQUATOR

aerator, castrator, collator, Chubb Crater, Bay Stater, creator, curator, debater, deflator, dictator, dilator, donator, downstater, dumbwaiter, first-rater, glossator, headwaiter, ice-skater, levator, locator, mandator, migrator, narrator, pond skater, pronator, pulsator, red-baiter, relater, spectator, speed skater, tailgater, testator, theater, third-rater, titrator, translator, upstater, vibrator

EQUATOR Defined for Kids

equator

noun equa·tor \i-ˈkwā-tər\

Definition of EQUATOR for Kids

: an imaginary circle around the earth everywhere equally distant from the north pole and the south pole

Medical Dictionary

equator

noun equa·tor \i-ˈkwāt-ər, ˈē-ˌ\

Medical Definition of EQUATOR

: a circle or circular band dividing the surface of a body into two usually equal and symmetrical parts especially at the place of greatest width <the equator of the lens of the eye>

: equatorial plane