solstice

noun sol·stice \ˈsäl-stəs, ˈsōl-, ˈsȯl-\

: one of the two times during the year when the sun is farthest north or south of the equator

Full Definition of SOLSTICE

: either of the two points on the ecliptic at which its distance from the celestial equator is greatest and which is reached by the sun each year about June 22 and December 22

: the time of the sun's passing a solstice which occurs about June 22 to begin summer in the northern hemisphere and about December 22 to begin winter in the northern hemisphere

See solstice defined for English-language learners

See solstice defined for kids

Origin of SOLSTICE

Middle English, from Latin solstitium, from sol sun + -stit-, -stes standing; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at solar, stand

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith

SOLSTICE Defined for Kids

solstice

noun sol·stice \ˈsäl-stəs, ˈsōl-, ˈsȯl-\

Definition of SOLSTICE for Kids

: the time of the year when the sun passes overhead the farthest north (summer solstice, about June 22) or south (winter solstice, about December 22) of the equator