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Dictionary Language resources

equinoctial

Pronunciation: /ˌiːkwɪˈnɒkʃ(ə)l, ˌɛkwɪ-/

Definition of equinoctial

adjective

happening at or near the time of an equinox: equinoctial gales
having a day and night of equal length.
at or near the equator: the equinoctial region of the ocean

noun

(also equinoctial line)another term for celestial equator.

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'relating to equal periods of day and night'): via Old French from Latin aequinoctialis, from aequinoctium (see equinox)