Tropic of Capricorn

noun phrase

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

Examples of Tropic of Capricorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The winter solstice marks the day when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, a line that is located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through countries like Chile and Australia, and is furthest away from the sun. TIME, 21 Dec. 2023 At that time, the sun passes directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through Australia, Chile, southern Brazil and northern South Africa. Kolbe Nelson, CBS News, 20 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Tropic of Capricorn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the sign of the zodiac which its celestial projection intersects

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Tropic of Capricorn was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near Tropic of Capricorn

Cite this Entry

“Tropic of Capricorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tropic%20of%20Capricorn. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Tropic of Capricorn

: the parallel of latitude that is 23½ degrees south of the equator and is the southernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun

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