Another Word For Equinox

Meaning

An equinox is one of the two times each year when day and night are approximately equal in length. This occurs because the sun is positioned directly above the Equator, leading to roughly equal amounts of daytime and nighttime. The two equinoxes happen in March (the vernal or spring equinox) and September (the autumnal equinox).

Synonyms

• Equilux
• Solstice (related term, but refers to different phenomena)

Antonyms

• Solstice
• Asynchronous day-night cycle

Etymology

The word "equinox" comes from the Latin "aequinoctium," which means "equal night." This is derived from "aequus," meaning "equal," and "nox," meaning "night."

Examples

1. The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Celebrations, such as the festival of Ostara, occur around the time of the equinox.
3. During the equinox, many cultures have rituals that honor the balance of light and darkness.