tropic of Capricorn

noun

See under tropic(def 1a).

Origin of tropic of Capricorn

First recorded in 1545–55

Words nearby tropic of Capricorn

trophy wife, tropia, tropic, tropic bird, tropic of cancer, tropic of Capricorn, tropical, tropical abscess, tropical acne, tropical anemia, tropical aquarium

Definition for tropic of capricorn (2 of 3)

tropic
[ trop-ik ]
/ ˈtrɒp ɪk /

noun

Geography.
  1. either of two corresponding parallels of latitude on the terrestrial globe, one (tropic of Cancer) about 23½° N, and the other (tropic of Capricorn) about 23½° S of the equator, being the boundaries of the Torrid Zone.
  2. the tropics, the regions lying between and near these parallels of latitude; the Torrid Zone and neighboring regions.
Astronomy. either of two circles on the celestial sphere, one lying in the same plane as the tropic of Cancer, the other in the same plane as the tropic of Capricorn.

adjective

of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or occurring in the tropics; tropical: romance under the tropic skies of Old Mexico.

Origin of tropic

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin tropicus < Greek tropikós pertaining to a turn, equivalent to tróp(os) turn + -ikos -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM tropic

non·trop·ic, adjective un·trop·ic, adjective

Definition for tropic of capricorn (3 of 3)

Capricorn
[ kap-ri-kawrn ]
/ ˈkæp rɪˌkɔrn /

noun

Astronomy. the Goat, a zodiacal constellation between Sagittarius and Aquarius.
Astrology.
  1. the tenth sign of the zodiac: the cardinal earth sign.
  2. a person born under this sign, usually between December 22nd and January 19th.
tropic of. See under tropic(def 1a).
Also Capricornus (for defs 1, 2).

Origin of Capricorn

1350–1400; Middle English Capricorne < Latin Capricornus (translation of Greek aigókerōs goat-horned), equivalent to capri- capri- + corn(u) horn + -us adj. suffix

British Dictionary definitions for tropic of capricorn (1 of 2)

Capricorn
/ (ˈkæprɪˌkɔːn) /

noun

astrology
  1. Also called: the Goat, Capricornus the tenth sign of the zodiac, symbol ♑, having a cardinal earth classification and ruled by the planet Saturn. The sun is in this sign between about Dec 22 and Jan 19
  2. a person born during the period when the sun is in this sign
astronomy another name for Capricornus
tropic of Capricorn See tropic (def. 1)

adjective

astrology born under or characteristic of Capricorn
Also (for senses 1b, 4): Capricornean ( ˌkæprɪˈkɔːnɪən)

Word Origin for Capricorn

C14: from Latin Capricornus (translating Greek aigokerōs goat-horned), from caper goat + cornū horn

British Dictionary definitions for tropic of capricorn (2 of 2)

tropic
/ (ˈtrɒpɪk) /

noun

(sometimes capital) either of the parallel lines of latitude at about 23 1/2 °N (tropic of Cancer) and 23 1/2 °S (tropic of Capricorn) of the equator
the tropics (often capital) that part of the earth's surface between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn; the Torrid Zone
astronomy either of the two parallel circles on the celestial sphere having the same latitudes and names as the corresponding lines on the earth

adjective

a less common word for tropical

Word Origin for tropic

C14: from Late Latin tropicus belonging to a turn, from Greek tropikos, from tropos a turn; from the ancient belief that the sun turned back at the solstices

Scientific definitions for tropic of capricorn (1 of 3)

Capricorn
[ kăp′rĭ-kôrn′ ]
Capricornus (kăp′rĭ-kôr′nəs)

A constellation in the Southern Hemisphere near Aquarius and Sagittarius. Capricorn (the Goat) is the tenth sign of the zodiac.

Scientific definitions for tropic of capricorn (2 of 3)

tropic
[ trŏp′ĭk ]

Either of the two parallels of latitude representing the points farthest north and south at which the Sun can shine directly overhead. The northern tropic is the Tropic of Cancer and the southern one is the Tropic of Capricorn.
tropics. The region of the Earth lying between these latitudes. The tropics are generally the warmest and most humid region of the Earth. Also called Torrid Zone

Scientific definitions for tropic of capricorn (3 of 3)

Tropic of Capricorn

The parallel of latitude approximately 23°27′ south. It forms the boundary between the Torrid and South Temperate zones.

Cultural definitions for tropic of capricorn

Tropic of Capricorn

Imaginary line that circles the Earth about one-quarter of the way from the equator to the South Pole. The sun is directly overhead at the December solstice.