equinox Definition
the time or date (twice each year) at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are of equal length (about September 22 and March 20)..
Using equinox: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "equinox" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of fall.
Example
The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring.
Example
The equinox is a time of balance between light and dark.
equinox Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for equinox
- solstice
- turning point
- milestone
Phrases with equinox
vernal equinox
the equinox in spring, around March 20th
Example
The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring.
autumnal equinox
the equinox in fall, around September 22nd
Example
The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of fall.
equinox of the gods
a time of great change or upheaval, often used in a dramatic or poetic sense
Example
The revolution was seen as the equinox of the gods, a turning point in history.
Origins of equinox
from Latin 'aequinoctium', meaning 'equality of night and day'
Summary: equinox in Brief
An 'equinox' [ˈiːkwɪnɒks] is a time or date twice a year when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in day and night being of equal length. It occurs around September 22nd and March 20th and marks the beginning of fall and spring respectively. The term 'equinox' can also be used to describe a time of balance between light and dark.