Solstice

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsÉ’l.stɪs/

Origin

From Latin solstitium, from sol ("sun") + sto ("stand") (as in English solar and resist), from sistō ("I stand still"), both from Proto-Indo-European roots.

Full definition of solstice

Noun

1. One of the two points in the ecliptic at which the sun is furthest from the celestial equator. This corresponds to one of two days in the year when the day is either longest or shortest.
• 1924, Aristotle, Metaphysics. Translated by W. D. Ross. Nashotah, Wisconsin, USA: The Classical Library, 2001. Available at: . Book 1, Part 2.For all men begin, as we said, by wondering that things are as they are, as they do about self‐moving marionettes, or about the solstices or the incommensurability of the diagonal of a square with the side;

Derived terms

• summer solstice
• winter solstice
• solstitial

Related terms

• equinox