| Solstice | n.[ 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Solstitial | a. [ L. solstitialis: cf. F. solsticial. ] 1. Of or pertaining to a solstice. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Happening at a solstice; esp. (with reference to the northern hemisphere), happening at the summer solstice, or midsummer. “Solstitial summer's heat.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] |
