SOLSTICE

solstice

(noun) either of the two times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

solstice (plural solstices)

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.

Synonyms

• sunstead

Anagrams

• isolects, scolites, solecist

Source: Wiktionary

Sol"stice, n.Etym: [L. solstitium; sol the sun + sistere to cause to stand, akin to stare to stand: cf. F. solstice. See Solar, a., Stand, v. i.]

1. A stopping or standing still of the sun. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

2. (Astron.) (a) The point in the ecliptic at which the sun is farthest from the equator, north or south, namely, the first point of the sign Cancer and the first point of the sign Capricorn, the former being the summer solstice, latter the winter solstice, in northern latitudes; - - so called because the sun then apparently stands still in its northward or southward motion. (b) The time of the sun's passing the solstices, or solstitial points, namely, about June 21 and December 21. See Illust. in Appendix.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition