meridian
meridian Lexical Profile
meridian Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An imaginary great circle of constant longitude on the Earth's surface passing through the North and South geographic poles.
"The prime meridian passing through Greenwich, England, serves as the international reference line for zero degrees longitude."
In acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, any of the distinct pathways in the body along which vital energy is believed to flow.
"The practitioner inserted fine needles along specific meridians to help relieve the patient's chronic tension."
A great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the celestial poles and the zenith of a given observer's location.
"The astronomer waited patiently for the star to transit the local meridian before recording its altitude."
The point or period of highest development, prosperity, or distinction.
"By the mid-nineteenth century, the maritime empire had reached the meridian of its economic influence."
• adjective
Relating to midday or noon, or to the highest point reached by the sun or another celestial body in the sky.
"The travelers sought shelter under the canyon overhang to escape the fierce meridian heat of the desert sun."
Relating to a period of greatest splendor, vigor, or achievement.
"During the meridian years of her career, the architect designed several of the city's most iconic civic landmarks."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'meridian' (a line of longitude or peak point) with 'meridiem', a direct Latin borrowing used exclusively in the time abbreviations a.m. (ante meridiem) and p.m. (post meridiem).
• Rhymes for meridian
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Old French from Latin 'meridianus' (of midday or the south), from 'meridies' (midday), which evolved by dissimilation from 'medidies'—a compound of 'medius' (middle) and 'dies' (day).