Tropic of Cancer

noun phrase

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

Word History

Etymology

from the sign of the zodiac which its celestial projection intersects

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Tropic of Cancer

: the parallel of latitude that is 23½ degrees north of the equator and is the northernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun