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Tropic of Capricorn
noun phrase
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 23¹/₂ degrees south of the equator and that is the southernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun
Examples of Tropic of Capricorn in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Be sure to stop at the Tropic of Capricorn for a quick photo and avoid driving after dark, as there may be wild animals on the roadway.
—Mazuba Kapambwe, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2024
Moffatt had found lampreys at several new sites, well into the tropical zone above the Tropic of Capricorn.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2024
The winter solstice marks the day when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, a line that is located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through countries like Chile and Australia, and is furthest away from the sun.
—TIME, 21 Dec. 2023
At that time, the sun passes directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through Australia, Chile, southern Brazil and northern South Africa.
—Kolbe Nelson, CBS News, 20 June 2023
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Word History
Etymology
from the sign of the zodiac which its celestial projection intersects
First Known Use
1625, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of Tropic of Capricorn was
in 1625
Dictionary Entries Near Tropic of Capricorn
Cite this Entry
“Tropic of Capricorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Tropic%20of%20Capricorn. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
Tropic of Capricorn
: the parallel of latitude that is 23½ degrees south of the equator and is the southernmost latitude reached by the overhead sun
More from Merriam-Webster on Tropic of Capricorn
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Tropic of Capricorn
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