vertical circle

noun Astronomy.

a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith.

Origin of vertical circle

First recorded in 1550–60

Words nearby vertical circle

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British Dictionary definitions for vertical circle

vertical circle

noun

astronomy a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith and perpendicular to the horizon

Scientific definitions for vertical circle

vertical circle

A great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the zenith and the nadir and thus is perpendicular to the horizon.