equinoctial

1 of 2

adjective

equi·​noc·​tial ˌē-kwə-ˈnäk-shəl How to pronounce equinoctial (audio)
ˌe-
1
: relating to an equinox or to a state or the time of equal day and night
2
: relating to the regions or climate on or near the equator
3
: relating to the time when the sun passes an equinoctial point

equinoctial

2 of 2

noun

1
2
: an equinoctial storm

Examples of equinoctial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The inner bark of that red willow is the main ingredient used to make tobacco for the equinoctial Sacred Pipe ceremony, which is meant to rekindle the sacred fire of life on Earth. National Geographic, 20 Mar. 2018 Post-equinoctial 90s qualify as unusual in Philly Anthony R. Wood, Philly.com, 26 Sep. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1521, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of equinoctial was in 1521

Dictionary Entries Near equinoctial

Cite this Entry

“Equinoctial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equinoctial. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

equinoctial

adjective
equi·​noc·​tial
ˌē-kwə-ˈnäk-shəl,
ˌek-wə-
1
: of, relating to, or occurring at or near an equinox
2
: of or relating to the regions or climate near the equator : equatorial

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