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celestial pole
noun
: either of the two points on the celestial sphere around which the diurnal rotation of the stars appears to take place
Examples of celestial pole in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As well as being positioned very close to Earth’s north celestial pole, Polaris is a Cepheid variable, a star that pulsates and changes in brightness in a highly predictable way.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Starlings orient north from the celestial pole around which the stars turn.
—Jo Marchant, Wired, 1 Sep. 2020
The concept of a celestial pole, that a direct connection between heaven and Earth existed at the North Pole, led to a useful innovation as well.
—David James, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Aug. 2019
The continent stretched toward the celestial pole, after all.
—David James, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Aug. 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1848, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near celestial pole
Cite this Entry
“Celestial pole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20pole. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
celestial pole
noun
: one of two points on the celestial sphere around which the daily rotation of the stars appears to take place
More from Merriam-Webster on celestial pole
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about celestial pole
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